Horses and Show Jumping events are the heart of any horse show competition. Here's everything you need to know about this competition.
Horses and Show Jumping -- Facts
Type of Competition:
Show jumping is an equestrian event, special to English horses, in which a horse is made to jump over a set of obstacles. There are different kinds of obstacles used in vertical, spread, double, and triple fashion. The considerations are the speed and the ability of the horse to make a clear jump off the obstacle. Events of show jumping are included in the hunter/jumper class of equestrian shows.Location:
Show jumping is very popular in Great Britain and France. Several popular show jumping events are conducted at London, Dublin, French Riviera, Bordeaux, Pinerelo, and Tor-di-Quinto. In the US, show jumping is a relatively new phenomenon and is being conducted annually at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lake Placid Show Grounds in New York, Moreland Hills Metro Park in Ohio and the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida among other venues.History:
Show jumping as an event first originated in France. It could not reach the desired levels of popularity there as the shows were conducted all over the countryside. From France, these shows entered Great Britain, where fences were used to contain spectators. It can be arguably said that the first big horse event was held in England's Olympia in 1907. The show became extremely popular and culminated into the formation of the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) in 1923.Sanctioned:
Almost all show jumping events in the UK are sanctioned by the BSJA. The BSJA has laid down specific rules for the performance. In the US, the sanctioning body is the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF).Entrance Procedure:
Entrance to a show jumping event is determined on the basis of previous performance. A horse must have had some victories (the number is different in different countries and events) to be able to be enrolled in the hunter/jumper class. If there is no victory, then at least it must be shown a couple of times in the previous year. Sometimes, even a recommendation from an equestrian organization can enable a horse to participate in the show jumping category.Classes:
Show jumping is a class in itself. This event is characteristic of the hunter/jumper class of horses.Judging:
The event of show jumping is judged primarily on the agility and ability of the horse to perform a jump. There are a number of different obstacles the horse has to clear before being declared a winner. However, it is not just the skill that matters. Judges would also purview the obedience of the horse and its courage in performing the stunt. If a horse backs up or bolts away, then it is disqualified. In reality, a jumper is permitted a number of faults before getting disqualified. In its initial form, the number of faults allowed was three. However, the amendment passed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has raised the number of permissible faults to four. Horses are also disqualified if they go beyond the ascribed time limit.Awards:
Awards vary according to the reputation of the event. A winning horse may be given any amount according to the budget of the show. The most popular prize figure is $1000.
