1. Jumping Horses
Equestrian show jumping is an English style of riding, where the horse jumps over hurdles and obstacles. Training the horse in the English style of riding takes 2 to 3 years for the horse to learn to step over logs on the ground at different paces. Over time, the height of the obstacle is increased and additional elements added. Some jumps include water or two jumps 1 to 2 feet apart.
2. Jumping Styles
There are two main schools of horse jumping or equitation: hunt seat and show jumping. Hunt seat uses jumps up to 4 feet high and may include water, plants and other obstacles. The focus is on form, grace and control. Show jumping focuses on jumps 7 feet and higher and includes wide expanses of water, multiple heights within one jump and tight turns.
3. Watching Show Jumping
Show jumping is on television or you can attend a show jumping event in your local community. To find out about such events, contact your local equestrian center for more information. When you are watching show jumping, there are a few key points you need to remember. Riders and horses all start the day with zero points or faults. In each round, they are required to clear all the obstacles, in a specific order within a predetermined time. For every obstacle that the horse touches, faults are added. A set number of riders advance to the next round based on their score, with the lowest scores advancing. The winner is the rider with the lowest number of points or faults.
4. Becoming a Show Jumper
To become a show jumper, you need to become a skilled rider. All show jumpers started in hunt seat equitation. Look for schooling or riding barn that is associated with a recognized horse show circuit and join these events. You will get practice in all the aspects of show jumping and can win prizes and ribbons on your form, skill and jumping. To become a show jumper, you will need access to a professional coach and horses capable of performing at such a high level. It takes many years of dedicated effort to become a professional show jumper.
5. Show Jumping Horses
To be a successful show jumper, the horse needs to be very fit, have a good bone structure, intelligence and even temperament. Coaches and trainers travel the world to find suitable horses as they are usually started training at 2 years old. The average show jumper is 18 to 20 hands high. This translates into 6 feet to the top of the back, where the saddle sits. These are not small animals, and they require constant care. These horses are highly valued, and a proven show jumper can cost $75,000 to $1,000,000.
Member Comments