The sport of show jumping, also known as horse show jumping, has roots in England, France and Spain. It didn’t truly become an international sport until the 19th century when the British Empire began colonizing other parts of the world, including many places where horses were raised as livestock. Show jumping grew steadily after World War II, and in the 1970s the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) was formed to govern all equestrian events, including show jumping. Now almost every continent has its own national show jumping organization. With so many national governing bodies, show jumping has become one of the most international sports in the world. There are many different types of jumps and events you can participate in as a show jumper. Whether you’re new to the sport or have been riding for years, read on for information about international show jumping.
Jumps are the vertical obstacles you see at horse shows. There are many different types of jumps, including cross-overs, verticals and water jumps. Most jumps are designed to be challenging for experienced riders, but beginners can usually ride through smaller obstacles, like verticals. The height of the jumps is determined by the level of the competition. The higher the level, the higher the jumps. You may find that there are many different types of jumps at the lower levels, but as you move up in competition, the jumps are usually designed for experienced riders only.
Show jumping is broken down into five different types of events that reflect the level of difficulty and the type of rider who competes in each event. These include: - Prix (pronounced “pee”), where the goal is for the rider to complete a course of jumps in the fewest number of attempts – often two or three. - Equitation, where the rider is judged on his or her ability to perform the movements associated with the horse’s gait – including sitting, rising, standing and cantering. - Dressage, where the rider is judged on how well he or she rides with a specific set of movements that are designed to show off the horse – including walking, trotting, cantering and stopping. - Barrel Racing, where the horse is ridden with a long line attached to its saddle and rider. - Endurance, where the horse is ridden for a set distance around a course without jumping or stopping. - Cross-Country, where the horse and rider travel for a specified distance with jumps or other obstacles included.
If you’re interested in trying out show jumping, the best way to do so is to sign up for an event. Different types of shows are held at different times of the year, and there are a variety of different types of events to choose from. The best way to find out which events are being held in your area is to check with your local horse show to find out the dates and times.
Show jumping is a competitive equestrian sport that is played at horse shows around the world. It is broken down into many different events, each with their own specific rules and objectives. Some of these events are very similar to other equestrian sports, including dressage and riding cross-country; others are unique to show jumping.