What is it?
Showjumping is a fun sport where horse and rider must jump round a course of obstacles without knocking them down or allowing the horse to run out or stop. It is also a great spectator sport and there are many major events around the world that attract thousands of visitors each year. Examples include Hickstead, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia International Showjumping Championships (all of which are in England).
When?
Showjumping takes place all year round; outdoors in the summer and indoors during the winter months. This means there is plenty of opportunity to get competition practice.
At what level?
It is possible to compete in showjumping at all levels whether you have only just learnt how to jump or have been jumping for many years. At local shows you can have a go at clear round jumping, where all you have to do is jump round clear to get a rosette, before progressing to minimus and maximus classes and then novice. These classes usually have restrictions on winnings to give all competitors a fair chance. At open level there are no restrictions on winnings, and if you and your horse/pony are very talented you might like to affiliate with the BSJA (British Show Jumping Association). This gives you the opportunity to jump professionally built courses at a decent height.
How is it judged?
Faults are given for knocking a pole down (4 faults) and refusing or running out. After two refusals you are eliminated. You will also be eliminated for jumping the wrong course or starting before the bell has been rung or not starting in time after the bell has been rung!
Usually there are two rounds; all the competitors jump round the course and those who go clear go into the second round, the jump-off, in which they must jump a slightly shorter/higher course against the clock. The fastest time wins. There are also other types of class such as a two-phase where the competitor jumps round the course once and if they go clear they go straight round again over the jump-off course. There are also speed/scurry classes where there is just one round against the clock and topscore where the various jumps are worth different numbers of points and the rider must accumulate the most points they can in the time limit. A Chase-me-Charlie involves jumping the same jumps over and over as they get progressively higher. If a horse knocks one down or runs out they are eliminated until there is only one horse and rider left � the winner!!
So, as you can see, there is quite a range of classes and it is advisable to check the rules before entering!