By TPH Intern Vyla Carter

When I first started doing the jumpers after years of only competing in the hunters, I was confused on what Table II, 2(a) and the random number and letter seen after my classes listed on the schedule meant. I soon learned that those phrases seen after the class where what format the course is going to be. But what does each different one mean? If you don’t want to search through the USEF rulebook to find that answer here is a brief explanation of most of the course formats you will see at competitions:

Table II, 2(a)– This course format is typically seen in Grand Prix classes. For the table II, 2(a) format all riders and horse combinations compete in the first round of the class. If the horse has no jumping or time faults in the first round they return for the jump-off after all competitors have gone in the first round. The jump-off order is the same order as the first round, taking out the combinations that did not go clear. The jump-off is a shorter version of first round, and the rider with the fastest time and least amount of faults wins the class.

Table II, 2(b)– Like the table II, 2(a) format, the 2(b) format has a jump off. The difference is that in the table II, 2(b) if the rider is clear they stay in the ring after finishing the first course. After finishing the first course the combination waits for the buzzer and heads to the first jump. This format is seen in jumper classics and regular division rounds.

Table II, 2(c)– The table II, 2(c) course format is known as a power and speed. This format splits one course into two phases. The first phase is power, during the power phase the rider wants to stay clear and in the time. If the rider is clear they continue on in the course and finish the speed phase, if they are not clear they are buzzed out and do not participate in the second part of the course. The speed phase is the same as a jump off, the only difference is that the power and speed format is all one continuous course. This format is usually used in regular division rounds at a show.

Table II– The table II format is usually seen in the schooling jumper classes. This format is a single round, where all clear rounds are equal in placing. This means that if a horse finishes the course with no faults they receive a blue ribbon, resulting in multiple people in the same class getting a blue ribbon.

Table II, Sec. 1– With only one round, the table II, Sec 1 jumper format challenges the rider to go fast and clear to get a good ribbon. This type of format is known to exhibitors as a speed round. There is no jump off, meaning that the rider must go fast in the first round to improve the chances of winning. Faults have the same effect in this round, so people with rails place below people with no faults, even if their time is better.