Horse Show Jumpers or Show Jumping is constantly gaining popularity in USA and the United States Equestrian Team got the Team Silver Medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Here's everything you need to know about this competition.
Horse Show Jumpers - Facts
Type of Competition:
Show jumping is a horse show where the horse has to clear obstacles by jumping over them within the time limit provided. Some of the famous Show Jumping competitions are Spruce Meadows in Canada, Hampton Classic of USA, Dubai International Horse Show, and the British Open Show Jumping Championship.Location:
These shows are usually conducted in the state where the concerned horse club or association is situated. For instance, the Hampton Classic is held in Bridgehampton Showgrounds, Bridgehampton, New York.History:
The French started the competition of horses jumping obstacles and this sport was initially called 'Lepping'. This competition was later introduced in England but these shows were not very popular. The show slowly gained popularity but the rules and judging procedure were not uniform. In 1923, these were corrected with the formation of British Show Jumping Association (BSJA). The first international horse show with show jumping was held in 1907 in Olympia.Sanctioned:
The shows are usually approved by the horse clubs of the state or country.Entrance Procedure:
Different shows have their own guidelines for the horse to participate in the show.Classes:
There are usually classes such as Open Jumper, Amateur Jumper, Junior Jumper and Young Jumper. These classes can vary with different shows.Judging:
There are different kinds of jumps the horse has to face -- vertical, wall, triple bar, oxer, gate, water jump and combination. The object is to clear the fences without faults in the given time. The faults are calculated as follows. If the horse refuses to jump first time 8 faults, second time 8 faults and the third time will result in elimination. If the horse upsets the fence, four faults are awarded. Falling off the horse or the horse falling will result in elimination. In the water jump, if the horse's legs fall in the water four faults are awarded. If the horse touches the fence but doesn't upset it no faults are awarded. When there is a tie between two horses, the horse that completed the course quickest is given the award.Awards:
The horses are given cash prizes in different classes. There are also awards such as the championship for the jumpers who earn the most money in different classes.
