What are the rules for the warm-up arena?

• A steward must supervise the warm-up arena whenever it is in use, and the Chief Steward can limit how many horses are inside based on arena size and safety.
• Only obstacle material provided by the organising committee may be used, and practice obstacles may only be jumped in the direction they are flagged. No part of a practice obstacle may be held by anyone.
• In competitions with a maximum obstacle height of 1.40 m or less, warm-up obstacles may not exceed the competition's maximum height and width by more than 10 cm (Pony events have their own rule).
• Obstacles of 1.30 m or higher need at least two poles on the take-off side, with the lower pole below 1.30 m and one end in a cup.
• Combinations, gymnastic or training exercises, and placing poles or V poles about 6 m or more from an obstacle are not permitted (combinations are allowed for Six Bar competitions).
• Walking horses over poles that are raised or in cups is not permitted.
• Phones, other electronic communication devices and earphones may never be used by a mounted athlete in the warm-up arena during a competition (a Warning applies).

Source: Equestrian Australia National Jumping Rules, effective 1 January 2026, Art 207.3 and 242.