Show Jumping

We’ve explained about dressage, and today is about show jumping. Not only enjoyable and fun, it can improve your flatwork at any level. So what is show jumping?

What is show jumping?

Show jumping is an equestrian sport that involves horse and rider jumping a series of fences. As well as being a discipline in its own right, show jumping is often part of other combination events such as the pentathlon and eventing.  In show jumping, the stamina, speed, and flexibility of the horse are tested, along with the relationship that the horse has with its rider. Riders typically sit in a forward position with short stirrups, to centre their weight and assist with balance, allowing the horse to move quickly through the course. Horses usually excel when they are agile, fast and powerful, coupled with a good technique.

Faults are incurred when the horse knocks or kicks down a fence, refuses to jump or walks away from the jump, or the rider falls. If a horse destroys a jump, the timer is stopped until that jump is fixed, and if a horse repeatedly refuses to complete jumps then the rider will be disqualified from the competition.

Courses can be simple or complex, depending entirely on the level of competition being participated in. The highest level of show jumping is called Grand Prix, and features complex and intimidating jumps, often including a wide spread, meaning the horses must jump high and long, as well as hedges and ditches. Grand Prix show jumping typically involves jumps set at strange angles, requiring horses to be quick on their feet, or jumps at awkward distances which require the horse to be skilled and adaptable. Traditionally, the rider walks the course before riding it, so that he or she is aware of the layout.

Show jumping is one of the most dynamic and engaging equestrian events to watch; even people without horse experience can appreciate the athleticism of the horse. Watching a well-coordinated horse and rider team navigate a show jumping course can be an exhilarating experience.

Affiliated horses and riders are members of British Showjumping. To find out more about them visit www.britishshowjumping.co.uk. Even if you don’t want to jump at this level, there are many unaffiliated shows for any age or ability rider to compete in.