What is show jumping?

Jumping enjoys its place, both nationally and internationally, as one of the most popular and perhaps most recognizable equestrian events, aside from Thoroughbred horse racing.  At its highest competitive level, Jumping is recognized as one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines alongside both Dressage and Eventing.  Essentially, what pole vaulting, high jump and hurdles are to track and field, Jumping is to equestrian sport.

Spectator friendly and easy to understand, the object for the Jumper is to negotiate a series of obstacles, where emphasis is placed on height and width, and to do so without lowering the height or refusing to jump any of the obstacles. The time taken to complete the course is also a factor.  The Jumping course tests a horse’s athleticism, agility and tractability while simultaneously testing a rider’s precision, accuracy and responsiveness.  Perhaps most importantly, Jumping tests the partnership between horse and rider.

Competitive Jumping has enjoyed immense popularity worldwide since the early 1900s, and the discipline continues to grow.  In today’s show ring, horses and ponies of all sizes and breeds compete in Jumping classes representing varying levels of challenge.  Likewise, classes exist for virtually every level of rider from the child novice to the seasoned international professional.