If you’ve ever been captivated by the grace and precision of horses soaring over fences, showjumping might be the perfect equestrian sport for you. Combining teamwork, skill, and athleticism, showjumping offers an exciting journey for both riders and horses. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to formalize your training, here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Showjumping, also known as “stadium jumping” or “open jumping,” is an equestrian discipline where a rider and horse navigate a course of obstacles (fences) within a set time limit, aiming for a “clean round” (no knocked poles or refusals). It’s a test of partnership: the horse’s power, agility, and carefulness, paired with the rider’s precision and timing. Internationally regulated by the FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale), the sport ranges from local competitions to Olympic levels.
Getting Started: Key Elements for Beginners
Unaffiliated Competitions: Ideal for beginners, these events are more casual and cost-effective. They often follow basic rules but lack official ranking systems.
Affiliated Competitions: Organized by bodies like British Showjumping (BSJ), these offer structured levels, points tracking, and pathways to higher competitions. To participate, you’ll need BSJ membership (e.g., Club, National, or Junior membership), which varies by age and skill level.
British Showjumping uses a points-based system to determine class eligibility. For senior riders, levels include:
British Novice: Start at 90cm, for horses with <125 points.
Discovery: 100cm start, <225 points.
Newcomers: 110cm start, <325 points.
Foxhunter: 120cm start, <700 points.
Juniors on ponies have separate classes, but all riders progress by accumulating points through placements or “double clears” (no faults in both rounds).
The goal is to complete the course with the fewest faults:
Pole knockdown: 4 points.
Refusal: 4 points (elimination on the second refusal).
Time faults: 1 point per second over the limit.
Elimination: For falls or serious disobedience.
In two-phase competitions, riders with clean first rounds advance to a timed second round, where speed breaks ties.
A typical course has 10–15 fences in a specific order, including:
Vertical: A single upright fence.
Oxer: A “spread” jump with two poles side by side (e.g., square, ascending, or Swedish oxer).
Combination: Sequential jumps (double or triple) with limited strides between them.
Liverpool: A fence over a water tray, testing focus.
Course designers plan distances (strides between fences) to challenge rhythm and accuracy. Riders “walk the course” beforehand to memorize the route and pace strides.
Rider Outfit:
Helmet (safety-approved, dark color), dark jacket, white shirt, and stock/tie.
Light-colored breeches (no black/navy) and riding boots (jodhpur boots for juniors).
Horse Tack:
English saddle, standing/running martingale, and snaffle bridle.
Leg protection (subject to FEI rules) and no blinkers (except in senior warm-ups).
Arrive Early: Walk the course, warm up in the collecting ring, and study the running order.
Stay Calm: Focus on a steady rhythm and clear communication with your horse.
Learn from Others: Watch more experienced riders to spot common course challenges.
Training Exercises for Beginners
Dressage Basics: Improve control and balance through flatwork (walk, trot, canter).
Gridwork: Use ground poles and low fences to practice stride management. Start at a trot, gradually moving to canter, and adjust distances to build precision.
Practice Courses: Set up small courses at home to simulate competition conditions, focusing on smooth transitions and consistent pace.
Beyond the thrill of competition, showjumping deepens the bond between rider and horse. It’s a sport of continuous growth, where every clear round and personal best feels like a triumph. Whether you aim for local shows or dream of Olympic stadiums, the journey begins with patience, practice, and a love for the partnership.
Ready to take the leap? Start with a local unaffiliated show, connect with a coach, and let the adventure unfold. Happy jumping! Contact Shinehope Equine Email us at info@shinehopeequine.com or call +8613869898222.(24 hours).
Keywords covered: showjumping, horse jumps, show jumping rules, stadium jumping, equestrian levels, beginner exercises, affiliated competitions, course design, rider attire, and progression tips.