Show jumping is a timed event where riders are judged on their ability to negotiate fences at speed. The sport is timed and has two parts: the dressage (or pre-show) and the actual jumping phase. The dressage test is carried out by the rider alone in a ring with a judge observing. The judge will grade the horse on their conformation (style and posture), rhythm, impulsion, collection, bend, balance and overall impression. The jumping phase consists of the horse and rider being timed around a series of fences, usually 10 to 14 per course. There are several different types of courses used in the show jumping ring: cross-country, stadium, park, and country. The cross-country course has no fences that are fixed or have a standard height (like a show ring), but the other types can have fences that are fixed or have a set standard height. Depending on the organization, the type of course and the rules set by the governing body can vary slightly among different countries.
The show jumping course consists of fences that are usually between 1 and 3 meters in height. Fences are grouped together into “units” that are usually between 3 and 5 fences in length. The first unit of the course is called the “warm-up” and is usually a series of low jumps that allow the horse to warm up and get ready for the more challenging jumps ahead. The first jump in the warm-up is called the “water” and the last jump in the warm-up is called the “weigh-in.” Depending on the type of course being used, there may be additional obstacles in the course. The course is designed to test the rider’s ability to control the horse, jump at the proper distance and height, and stop the horse before the finish line so they can be judged for their score.
The type of course being used will determine what type of fences are used. Here is a breakdown of each type of course:- Cross-country: This course is often used for the junior (under 17) level of show jumping competition. It is basically a long course that is about one mile in length and has a few jumps that are usually no more than 2.5 meters in height. It is used to test a horse’s ability to jump on open ground with no fences. The cross-country course is often the first jumping course the rider competes in because it is short and does not require a lot of jumping experience from the rider or horse.- Stadium: This course is often used for the adult (under 70) level of show jumping competition. It is usually a short course (less than two miles) with jumps that are between 3 and 10 meters high. The stadium course is usually used for the first course in a two-phase competition where each rider competes twice (usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon).- Park: This course is often used for the senior (over 17) level of show jumping competition. It is usually a short course (less than two miles) with jumps that are usually between 3 and 10 meters high. The park course is usually used for the second course in a two-phase competition where each rider competes twice (usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon).- Country: This course is often used for the elite level of show jumping competition. It is usually a long course (more than two miles) with jumps that are usually between 3 and 10 meters high. The country course is usually used for the third and fourth courses in a two-phase competition where each rider competes twice (usually once in the morning and once in the afternoon).
The course is laid out before the show begins and there are several factors that go into deciding where the jumps are placed. The goal is to make the course challenging by having the jumps spread out so the horse has to work to get through the course. A course must be challenging enough so that the horse cannot clear every jump in the course, but not so challenging that the horse gets tired. The course must also be balanced so that the horse does not have an advantage or disadvantage from the beginning to the end of the course. The course designer will consider the type of horse, the rider’s experience level, and the rules set by the organization when designing the course.
Jump designers are usually horse trainers who have also studied the art of course design. They are responsible for designing jumps that are challenging but also fair and can be jumped by a variety of horses. The designer will use the type of course being used, the height of the jumps, and the experience level of the rider to determine what type of jump is best for the course. Some of the more common types of jumps are:- Barrier: This jump is the most common jump in the show jumping ring. It is a standard jump that is usually between 3 and 5 meters in height and is usually made out of wood or metal. It is often referred to as “the old black pole.”- Bank: There are many variations of the bank jump, but it usually consists of a mound of dirt that is raised about 15 meters high. The mound is dug out to about 5 meters wide and is usually painted red so it is visible on the course.
The height of the jumps is usually measured in meters, but it can also be measured in “handlers,” which is basically the equivalent of inches. For example, a jump that is 5 meters high is the same size as a jump that is 5.5 handlers high. The size of the jumps is important when designing the course because it determines how high the horse has to jump. A horse that is green to jumping will have a lower clearance than a horse that is an experienced competitor because the horse is less experienced. The size of the jumps is also important to make sure the rider does not jump above the horse’s ability and that the horse does not shy away from the jump.
There are many ways to jump a horse, but there are a few ways that might not be the best way to do it. Here are a few examples:- Trying to jump a horse every time you get it out of the trailer.- Trying to jump a horse in every jump on the course.- Trying to jump the same fences over and over again.- Trying to jump a course without any rest or water.If you jump your horse too often, you run the risk of burning it out. It is best to only jump a horse once or twice a week and allow it a day off between jumps. If your horse is green, you might even want to wait until it has had some time off completely before you jump it again.
Show jumping is a challenging event, but it is also an incredible experience that many people will have in their lifetime. The best way to prepare for show jumping is to jump as often as you