How to Ride a Horse in Show Jumping

Show jumping, or jumper, courses are designed to test the horse and rider's ability to ride accurately but quickly. The obstacles can include vertical jumps, spread jumps and double and triple combinations with many twists and turns and changes of direction. Judging is based on time taken to finish the course and how many, if any, obstacles are knocked down in the course.Show Jumping at it's highest level is known as Grand Prix but it is fun for anyone at any level to ride. Local shows will offer courses that incorporate fences at a significantly lower height. The key to doing well is to ride the course without knocking down any rails and within the time allowed. If two or more riders are within the time allowed and have no rails down, they will jump a shortened, predetermined course and the fastest time will win.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Memorize the course before you begin your round at a show or at home. Jumping the obstacles in the wrong order will result in elimination. A good warm-up for your horse is essential, so be sure to do this adequately so your horse is listening to your aids and responding quickly.

2. Keep your head and eyes up at each jump; looking down over the jump is dangerous and will nearly always result in having a rail knocked down. Your hands should be soft and you should be able to give the horse the extra rein needed to stretch his neck out over the jump as he attempts it.

3. Keep both legs on the horse equally and firmly so as to encourage the horse to keep moving forward and to keep you secure as you go over the jump. Letting your legs become weak either before or over the jump can result in the horse stopping before the fence or an unsafe position over the fence that will not allow for a safe landing.

4. Notice your posture. Your center of gravity should be above the middle of the saddle, not leaning from side to side or front to back. Your position is not being judged in this competition, but you cannot jump safely with bad posture. Show jumpers must jump big, bravely and fast, so a well practiced rider is a must.

5. Aim your horse toward the middle of each jump and be able to shorten or lengthen his stride in order to achieve the correct take-off spot.

Tips & Warnings

• You will receive penalties for knocking down rails on obstacles, going over the allotted time and if your horse refuses to jump a fence the first time. Three refusals on course will result in elimination. A fall of horse or rider will also result in elimination. Further guidelines on scoring, elimination and disqualification can be found on the website of the United States Equestrian Federation.
• Be sure to ride with supervision when jumping, it can be a dangerous sport if done incorrectly.
• Your helper in the arena will be able to replace fallen rails so you do not have to dismount to try again.
• Reward your horse for a well-executed round, whether at home or in the show-ring.
• Always have adequate supervision.
• Always wear protective head gear.
• Wear boots with heels when riding.
• Replace fallen rails quickly so the horse doesn't accidentally trip over them.

Resources

• United States Equestrian Federation, the governing body for all horse sports in the U.S.

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