Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. English riding is a term used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world For the Roman class see Equestrian (Roman Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving Horses This broad description Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. A Horse show is a judged exhibition of Horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide Equestrianism made its Summer Olympics debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation in the USA. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the However, international competitions are governed by the rules of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). The Fédération Équestre Internationale (commonly known as the FEI or in English the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, is the international governing body of
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People unfamiliar with horse shows may be confused by the difference between working hunter classes and jumper classes. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which they meet an ideal standard of manners, style, and way of going. Conversely, jumper classes are scored objectively based entirely on a numerical score determined only by whether the horse attempts the obstacle, clears it, and finishes the course in the allotted time. Jumper courses are often colorful and at times quite creatively designed. Jumper courses tend to be much more complex and technical than hunter courses, because riders and horses are not being judged on style. Hunters have meticulous turnout and tend toward very quiet, conservative horse tack and rider attire. Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by Horses in the course of their use as domesticated Animals Saddles stirrups Hunter bits, bridles, crops, spurs and martingales are tightly regulated. A bit used in equestrian activities is a piece of metal or similar synthetic material that is placed in the mouth of a Horse or other Equid and allows A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a Horse. The bridle fits over a horse's head and has the purpose of controlling the horse A crop, sometimes called a riding crop or hunting crop, is a short type of Whip without a lash used in Horseback riding, part of the family A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of Riding boots for the purpose of directing a Horse to move forward or laterally while riding Jumpers, while caring for their horses and grooming them well, are not scored on turnout, are allowed a wider range of equipment, and riders may wear less conservative attire, so long as it stays within the rules. However, formal turnout is always preferred, and a neat rider gives a good impression at shows.
In addition to hunters and jumpers, there are equitation classes, sometimes called hunt seat equitation, which judge the ability of the rider. Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American Horse The equipment, clothing and fence styles used in equitation more closely resemble hunter classes, though the technical difficulty of the courses may more closely resemble jumping events.
Jumper classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, usually with many turns and changes of direction. Balve is a town in the Märkischer Kreis district North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. A combination, when referring to an obstacle jumped by horses is when two or more fences are placed within 1-3 strides of each other The purpose is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time. Time faults are assessed for exceeding the time allowance. Jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns and blatant disobedience, such as refusals (when the horse stops before a fence or "runs out"). (see "Modern Rules" below) Horses are allowed a limited number of refusals before being disqualified. A refusal can also lead to a rider going over the time allowed on course. Placings are based on the lowest number of points or "faults" accumulated. A horse and rider who have not accumulated any jumping faults or penalty points are said to have scored a "clear round. " Tied entries usually have a jump off over a raised and shortened course, and the course is timed; if entries are tied for faults accumulated in the jump-off, the fastest time wins.
In most competitions, riders are allowed to walk the course but not the jump-off course (usually the same course with missing jumps e. g. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 in stead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) before competition to plan their ride. Walking the course is a chance for the rider to walk the lines he or she will actually ride, to decide how many strides the horse will need to take between each jump and at which angle. The more professional the competition, such as "A" rated shows in the United States, or the international "Grand Prix" circuit, the more technical the course. Not only is the height and sometimes width ("spread") of an obstacle increased to present a greater challenge, technical difficulty also increases with tight turns and shorter or unusual distances between fences. Horses sometimes also have to jump fences from an angle rather than straight-on. For example, a course designer might set up a line so that there are six and a half strides (the standard measure for a canter stride is 12 feet) between the jumps, requiring the rider to adjust the horse's stride dramatically in order to make the distance.
Unlike show hunter classes, which reward calmness and style, Jumper classes require boldness, scope, power, accuracy, and control; speed is also a factor, especially in jump-off courses and speed classes (when time counts even in the first round). The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences A jumper must jump big, bravely, and fast, but he must also be careful and accurate to avoid knockdowns and must be balanced and rideable in order to rate and turn accurately. A jumper rider must ride the best line to each fence, saving ground with well-planned turns and lines and must adjust the horse's stride for each fence and distance. In a jump-off, a rider must balance the need to go as fast as possible and turn as tight as possible against the horse's ability to jump cleanly.
Show jumping is a relatively new equestrian sport. For the Roman class see Equestrian (Roman Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving Horses This broad description Until the Enclosure Acts which came into force in England in the eighteenth century there had been little need for horses to routinely jump fences. The Inclosure Acts were a series of United Kingdom Acts of Parliament which enclosed open fields and Common land in the country England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The 18th century lasted from 1701 to 1800 in the Gregorian calendar, in accordance with the Anno Domini / Common Era numbering system But with this act of parliament came new challenges for those who followed fox hounds. The enclosures act brought fencing and boundaries to many parts of the country as common ground was dispersed amongst the wealthy landowners. This meant that those wishing to pursue their sport now needed horses which were capable of jumping these obstacles.
In the early shows held in France, there was a parade of competitors who then took off across country for the jumping. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. This sport was, however, not popular with spectators as they could not watch the jumping. Thus, it was not long before fences began to appear in the arena. This became known as Lepping. 1869 was the year ‘horse leaping’ came to prominence at Dublin horse show. The RDS (also known as the Royal Dublin Society but now rarely expanded or Cumann Ríoga Bhaile Átha Cliath ( CRBÁC) in Irish, was founded [1] Fifteen years later, Lepping competitions were brought to Britain and by 1900 most of the more important shows had Lepping classes. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was the formal name of the United Kingdom from 1 January 1801 until 12 April 1927 Women, riding side-saddle, had their own classes.
At this time, the principal cavalry schools of Europe at Pinerolo and Tor-di-Quinto in Italy, the French school in Saumur and the Spanish school in Vienna all preferred to use a very deep seat with long stirrups when jumping. This style of riding was perhaps more secure for the rider, but it also impeded the freedom of the horse to use its body to the extent needed to clear large obstacles.
The Italian Instructor Captain Fiederico Caprilli heavily influenced the world of jumping with his ideas that a forward position with shorter stirrups would not impede the balance of the horse negotiating obstacles. Captain Federico Caprilli ( Livorno apr 8 1868- Pinerolo dec 6 1907 was an Italian equestrian who revolutionized the jumping seat This style, now known as the forward seat,is commonly used today. Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American Horse The deep, Dressage-style seat, while useful for riding on the flat and in conditions where control of the horse is of greater importance than freedom of movement, is sometimes referred to with disparagement as a "backward" seat in some jumping circles. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training
The first major show jumping competition held in England was at Olympia in 1907. Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Most of the competitors were members of the military and it became clear at this competition and in the subsequent years that there was no uniformity of rules for the sport. Judges marked on their own opinions. Some marked according to the severity of the obstacle and others marked according to style. Before 1907 there were no penalties for a refusal and the competitor was sometimes asked to miss the fence to please the spectators. The first courses were built with little imagination; many consisting of only a straight bar fence and a water jump. A meeting was arranged in 1923 which led to the formation of the BSJA in 1925. In the United States, a similar need for national rules for jumping and other equestrian activities led to the formation of the American Horse Shows Association in 1917, now known as the United States Equestrian Federation. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States.
Show jumping was first incorporated into the Olympic Games in 1912 and has thrived ever since, its popularity due in part to its suitability as a spectator sport which can be viewed on television. Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting
The original list of faults introduced in The United Kingdom in 1925 was as follows:
Water jumps were once at least 15 feet (5 meters) wide, although the water had often drained out of them by the time the last competitor jumped. High jumping would start with a pole at around 5 feet but this was later abandoned, as many horses went under the pole. It was for this reason that more poles were added and fillers came into use. Time penalties were not counted until 1917. Year 1917 ( MCMXVII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year
Rules have since evolved, with different national federations having different classes and rules. [2] The international governing body for most major show jumping competitions is the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI). FEI The two most common types of penalties are jumping penalties and time penalties.
Show jumping competitors use a very forward style of English saddle, most often the "close contact" design, which has a forward flap and a seat and cantle that is flatter than saddles designed for general all-purpose English riding or dressage. English saddles are used to ride Horses in " English riding " disciplines throughout the world English riding is a term used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen throughout the world Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training This construction allows greater freedom of movement for the rider when in jumping position, and allows a shorter stirrup, required in order for a rider to allowing the rider to lighten his or her seat. The jumping position is a position used by equestrians when jumping over an obstacle Other saddles, such as those designed for dressage, are intended for riders with a deep seat, can hinder a rider over large fences, forcing them into a position that limits the horse's movement and may put the rider dangerously behind the movement of the horse. Dressage (pronounced dress-ahhzh /ˈdrɛsɑʒ/ (a French term most commonly translated to mean "training" is a path and destination of competitive Horse training
At international levels, saddle pads are usually white and square in shape, allowing the pair to display a sponsorship, national flag, or breeding affiliation. (In contrast, riders in show hunters and equitation often use "fitted" fleece pads that are the same shape as the saddle. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted and encompasses a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids ) Girths vary in type, but usually have a contour to give room for the horse's elbows, and many have belly guards to protect the underside of the horse from its shoe studs when the front legs are tightly folded under. A girth, sometimes called a cinch ( Western US) is a piece of equipment used to keep the Saddle in place on a horse or other animal Studs or Screw-in Calks are traction devices screwed into the bottom of a horse shoe.
Bridles may be used with any style of cavesson noseband, and there are few rules regarding the severity of this equipment. A noseband is the part of a horse's Bridle that encircles the nose and jaw of the Horse. The figure-8 cavesson is the most popular type. Bits may also vary in severity, and competitors may use any bit, or even a "bitless bridle" or a hackamore. A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a Horse. The bridle fits over a horse's head and has the purpose of controlling the horse A hackamore is a type of headgear for a Horse which does not have a bit. However, the ground jury at the show has the right, based on veterinary advice, to refuse a bit or bridling scheme if it could cause harm to the horse.
Boots and/or wraps are worn by almost all horses, due to the fact that they may easily injure their legs when landing or when making tight turns at speed. Open-fronted tendon boots are usually worn on the forelegs, because they provide protection for the delicate tendons that run down the back of the leg, but still allow the horse to feel a rail should it get careless and hang its legs. Fetlock boots are sometimes seen on the rear legs, primarily to prevent the horse from hitting itself on tight turns.
Martingales are very common, especially on horses used at the Grand Prix level. A martingale is a term used to describe several different designs of tack that are used on Horses to control head carriage The majority of jumpers are ridden in running martingales, as these provide the most freedom over fences. Although a standing martingale (a strap connecting directly to the horse's noseband) is commonly seen on show hunters and may be helpful in keeping a horse from throwing its head up, it can also be quite dangerous in the event of a stumble, restricting a horse from using its head to regain its balance. The show hunter is a type of show horse in the that is judged on its movement manners and way of going particularly while jumping fences For this reason, standing martingales are not used in show jumping or eventing. Eventing is an equestrian event which comprises Dressage, cross-country and Show-jumping. Breastplates are also common, used to keep the saddle in place as the horse goes over large fences. A breastplate (used interchangeably with breastgirth and breastcollar) is a piece of riding equipment used on horses
Rider attire may be somewhat less formal than that used in hunter riding. Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American Horse However, an approved ASTM/SEI equestrian helmet with a harness is always required, and is a practical necessity to protect the rider's head in the event of a fall. An Equestrian helmet is worn when riding Horses. This type of Helmet is specially designed to protect the rider's head if a person falls off Tall boots are required, usually black. Spurs are optional, but commonly used. Breeches are traditional in color, usually white, tan, or beige. At approved competitions, depending on sanctioning organization, a dark-colored coat is usually worn (though under the rules of the USEF tweed or wash jackets are allowed in the summer and lighter colors are currently in fashion), with a light-colored (usually white) ratcatcher-style shirt and either a choker or stock tie. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States. A stock-tie, or stock is a white tie worn around the neck of a competitor riding in an equestrian event However, especially in the summer, many riders wear a simple short-sleeved "polo" style shirt with helmet, boots and breeches, and even where coats are required, the judges may waive the coat rule in extremely hot weather. Gloves, usually black, are optional, as is braiding of the horse. At FEI Grand Prix levels, tradition is very strong and riders dress in a more formal manner. White shirts and breeches are worn with black boots. Members of some national teams, including the United States, may be seen in red jackets, a color reserved for only riders of the Grand Prix level; otherwise international competitors usually wear a dark navy jacket, sometimes with national insignia added. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the
Show jumping fences are often colorful, sometimes very elaborate and artistic in design, particularly at the highest levels of competition. Types of jumps used include the following:
A show jumper must have the scope and courage to jump large fences as well as the athletic ability to handle the sharp turns and bursts of speed necessary to navigate the most difficult courses. Many breeds of horses have been successful show jumpers, and even some "grade" horses of uncertain breeding have been champions. Meyers b12 s0947bjpg|thumb|Heavy or draft horse breeds]] This page is a list of Horse and Pony breeds and also includes terms used to describe types of horses that are not Most show jumpers are tall horses, over 16 hands, usually of Warmblood or Thoroughbred breeding, though horses as small as 14. See also Hand A hand (or handbreadth) is a unit of length Measurement, originally based on the breadth of a Male Human hand Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook The Thoroughbred is a horse breed 1 hands have been on the Olympics teams of various nations and carried riders to Olympic and other international medals. Equestrianism made its Summer Olympics debut at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France There is no correlation between the size of a horse and its athletic ability, nor do tall horses necessarily have an advantage when jumping. Nonetheless, a taller horse may make a fence appear less daunting to the rider. [3]
Ponies (horses smaller than 14. 2 hands) also compete in show jumping competitions in many countries, usually in classes limited to riders under the age of 17 or 18. See also Hand A hand (or handbreadth) is a unit of length Measurement, originally based on the breadth of a Male Human hand Pony-sized horses may, on occasion, compete in open competition with adult riders. The most famous example was Stroller, who only stood 14. Stroller (1950 - 1986 the only Pony to compete at the Olympics in Show Jumping. 1 but was nonetheless a medal winner for the United Kingdom's show jumping team in the 1968 Summer Olympics, jumping one of the few clean rounds in the competition. The 1968 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XIX Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Mexico City Significant jumpers from the United States are included in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. [4]