subject: Show Jumps - Providing The Challenge For Horse And Rider [print this page] You must be familiar with the sport of show jumping, as it is one of the most spectacular types of equestrian competition known today. There are many opportunities to see it in action during outdoor show events in the summer and both spectators and competitors certainly favour any show jumping competition. It's been recognised throughout the world at the highest levels and has been an established Olympic element for a long time.
This sport is designed to show the affinity between the horse and its rider, the levels of performance, agility, ambition, training and coordination. A course is laid out with a number of different show jumps in a variety of different combinations and structures. There will be a number of different changes of direction, together with a requirement for the horse and rider to change tempo from time to time to be able to clear those numerous obstacles in the correct order. The ultimate purpose is to achieve a clean jumping record over the course in the best time possible.
The beauty and diversity of show jumping is in the number of different horse jumps that are set out and the combinations thereof. For example, you can expect to find different vertical variations, double and triple combinations and to set the stage the rider is allowed to look at the course before the actual competition itself. As could be expected, the more important the competition itself, the more technical the course will be.
It's quite a complex sport with different regulations and rules including "faults" and point deductions, lost when the horse might refuse to jump or might cause a knockdown of various elements along the way. When the actual construction itself is damaged due to the horse's refusal or poor attempt, even more penalties can be realised, meant to offset the amount of time it takes the organisers to repair it all.
There are an amazing number of different show jumps available and you can always create a course that will be unique and challenging for the competitors, no matter how "veteran" they may be. You can choose plastic show jumps or timber show jumps in a variety of different designs and colours. Show jumps are also configured according to the BSJA specification.
To give an idea of the variety available you can select blocks, poles, wings, planks, fillers, water trays, ladders, gates and all can be configured in a variety of combinations to produce a truly spectacular end result. As this type of event is very photogenic, often attracts a large number of spectators and is really made-for-TV, sponsor graphics and other messages can be added to those plastic jumps or timber jumps to help with the event's commercial viability.
Many a young rider aspires to the show jumping circuit, yet a lot of practice and application is required first. It's vital that the rider really knows the horse and that the correct attire and equipment is selected. There is scarcely anything more exhilarating in equestrianism, however, than achieving a clean run and "besting" your competitive class. This is truly a case of the horse and the rider working together.
