International show jumping is a challenging sport that requires a high level of skill, concentration, and dedication. Success at the highest level of competition requires significant time, effort, and financial investment. If you are considering this sport as a career, understanding the challenges ahead will help you stay focused and prepared.Whether you aspire to compete internationally at the Olympics or just want to ride at your club’s level, there are a few common hurdles you will face as an athlete outside of your home country: 1. Language barrier - Learning a new language (usually English) 2. Culture shock - Culture shock is part of every new experience. 3. Cultural differences - Depending on where you compete, the show jumping culture will differ greatly from your home country. 4. Lack of resources - The resources needed to compete may not be readily available where you are 5. Lack of coaching support - The lack of an established support network might discourage you from ever starting in the first place.

Language Barrier

International show jumping is a very visual sport, which makes it easier for people to understand who is doing what. There is a clear distinction between the rider and the horse. However, when it comes to the language used in competition, things can be different.For example, the dressage judge uses visual cues when assessing your horse’s performance, but the rule of thumb is that the horse must always be in the center of the frame. When the horse is in the right place, the rider is in the right place. If the horse is always in the center and the rider is on the left side, it is easy to mistake one for the other.Even when the rider is on the left side of the horse, the horse is expected to remain calm and remain in the center of the frame at all times. If the horse is spooked, it is the horse that is in the wrong place.

Culture Shock

International show jumping is a very different sport, both in terms of the event itself and the expectations of the competitors. There are many factors that must be taken into account when you are preparing for an event. The level of the competition, the weather conditions, the course layout, and even the food all have an impact on the outcome of the event.The culture of the host country will also have an impact on your experience as a rider. If you are visiting another country for the first time, you might feel a bit of culture shock. This is especially true if you are attending an event in a very different culture from the one you are used to.

Cultural Differences

You can’t discuss the language barrier without also discussing the cultural differences between countries. If you are competing in another country, you may find that the rules of the game are different or even the terminology used.For example, in the United States the word “gates” is used to refer to the starting gate, which is used to describe the same thing in most other countries. This can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the terminology used in the sport.If the course is set up slightly differently from what you are used to, it may require you to adjust your approach to riding.

Lack of Resources

If you are not able to find a team to train with regularly, you may have to travel long distances to get to the competition. You will also have to find a place to stay, and there are often many competing interests for a limited number of rooms.If you are unable to find a team to train with regularly, you may have to travel long distances to get to the competition. You will also have to find a place to stay, and there are often many competing interests for a limited number of rooms.If you are unable to find a team to train with regularly, you may have to travel long distances to get to the competition. You will also have to find a place to stay, and there are often many competing interests for a limited number of rooms.

Lack of Coaching Support

If your club does not have the resources to support teams at the highest levels or cannot provide the amount of coaching that is necessary to win medals, it can be discouraging for aspiring athletes.Even at the lower levels, there is a lot of dedication and hard work that goes into competing at the top level of the sport. You must be willing to put in the time and energy to become a successful rider.

Conclusion

International show jumping is a challenging sport, but it is a sport that is loved by many people around the world. If you are considering this sport as a career, understanding the challenges ahead will help you stay focused and prepared.