What is a refusal, run-out or resistance?

• Refusal: the horse stops in front of an obstacle it must jump, whether or not it knocks it down. It is not a refusal if the horse stops without moving backwards or knocking the obstacle down, then immediately jumps from a standstill. If the stop is prolonged, or the horse steps back even a single pace, it is a refusal.
• Run-out: the horse escapes the athlete's control and avoids an obstacle or compulsory turning point, or any part of the horse goes past the extended line of an obstacle, element of a combination, finish line or turning point. Jumping an obstacle between two red flags or between two white flags is penalised as a run-out and the obstacle must be jumped again correctly.
• Resistance: the horse refuses to go forward, stops for any reason, makes regular or complete half turns, or rears or steps backwards. Stopping your horse at any moment is also a resistance, except for an incorrectly built obstacle or to indicate unforeseen circumstances to the Ground Jury. Resistance for 45 consecutive seconds is Elimination; shorter resistance is penalised as a refusal.

The clock is not stopped for a refusal, run-out or resistance unless the bell is rung because an obstacle needs to be rebuilt.

Source: Equestrian Australia National Jumping Rules, effective 1 January 2026, Art 246.