Show Jumping - What Is it About?

Olympics 2012 is just a few hours away. Every horse enthusiast is so excited to witness different horses compete for various equestrian event. Show jumping is one of the events that horsemen look forward to. Just what is show jumping about?

Show jumping, also stadium jumping, is a type of equestrian sport that involves moving through a series of jumps setup in the ring, a stadium meant for equestrian events. Apart from the stand alone discipline, show jumping has been incorporated in other competitions including eventing and the modern pentathlon. Inside the event of show jumping, judges assess the horses speed, stamina, and versatility, together with the communication both the horse and rider have. Competition rankings are based on the accumulated number of faults and the time it took to complete the entire course.

The fault is a point that counts against the rider and the horse. These points can be accumulated in various ways and it rarely happens that the course is completed without any flaws. If a horse knocks down a fence during a jump, this is considered a fault. The same thing goes if the horse refuses to make a jump. If the horse destroys the fence during the jump, time will be stopped temporarily until the jump will be fixed. If too many jumps have been refused, the rider and the horse will be disqualified from the said competition.

The jump courses can be designed in a simple or complex way, depending on the style of the show. The most distinguished level of show jumping is known as the Grand Prix and this features intimidating and complicated obstacles, which horses need to jump a long and high jump to get through the obstacles. How the jumps are arranged also determines the level of difficulty of the course. Traditionally, the rider makes herself aware of the course layout by walking it before riding.

Show jumping events do not requires rigorous dress code as with other equestrian events. The rider typically puts on the traditional colored breeches, helmet, and tall pair of boots. At most shows in this particular event, wearing a jacket may be required. Horses should appear to be well-groomed and in tiptop shape, but they do not need to be arranged flawlessly as in dressage competitions.

ADVERTISEMENT:

 Need affordable horse ulcer treatment 

for your horses? Trust AbGard from Abler.

Show jumping is considered to be one engaging equestrian event as even those that do not share fascination with horses will appreciate how the horse can become so athletic. Riders usually sit in a forward placement with short stirrups, to focus on their weight and achieve balance, promoting quick movement for the horse through the course of jumps. Horses that participate in show jumping should be muscular, tall and have the necessary build to release power and speed. It can be a great experience to watch the rider and horse move in total coordination during the show.