Show Jumping
Show jumping refers to an equestrian event where a horse and rider combination must clear a number of obstacles without taking them down. The course of fences is often timed and takes place against a number of equally able horse and riders.

A common error made by both ‘horsey’ people and those unfamiliar with horse shows is the distinction between working hunters and show jumpers. Hunter classes are judged subjectively according to a specific style of manners and ‘way of going’, compared with jumpers who are scored more objectively based on a numerical score that calculates the successes and failures of any given round.
Furthermore, jumper courses are far more complex in design than the hunter courses, because working hunters are being judged specifically on style, whereas with jumpers it is primarily on skill and ability. Hunter rules are far stricter with regards tack and turnout, with more stringent rules concerning bits, bridles, crops, spurs and martingales. Although jumpers are not as tightly regulated and are allowed a wider range of equipment, formal turnout is obligatory, particularly as you progress upwards through the levels.

The History of Show Jumping
Show jumping originated in the eighteenth century with the arrival of the ‘Inclosure Acts’. This parliamentary enforcement meant that hunters had a new challenge when faced with the fencing and boundaries that now governed what was once common land. People who wanted to continue their indulgence in the sport now needed horses that were willing to clear the obstacles.
Thus it began in France. A wealth of competitors would turn up and then take off across the country to jump. This was not popular with the spectators however, as it was not like modern cross country jumping – everyone took off at once and it was more like the last one standing rather than who cleared the most fences. This dissatisfaction lead to fences appearing in the arena and before long, at horse shows worldwide, it became a regular class. By 1900, most of the important shows were offering a range of classes including specific ones for women riding side saddle.
What we now know as the ‘jumping position’ or ‘forward seat’ was not always the standard rider position over a fence. Before this revolution, riding schools across Europe suggested a deep seat with long stirrups was the best as it secured the rider and didn’t impede the horse’s natural jumping ability by transferring weight towards the shoulders. Furthermore, those adopting this seat believed they were assisting the horse by lifting it over the jump when pulling upwards on the reins.
It was shortly after the advent of show jumping that Captain Federico Caprilli (of the Italian cavalry) devised a seat that he believed - after examining horses free jumping without tack or rider and using photographs to document their shape approaching, going over and departing from fences – was the most secure because it responded to all changes in balance by following the movements of the horse and not interfering with them.
Caprilli further revolutionised the horse that could think for itself. He did not like the idea of ‘spot’ jumping, ie: lengthening or shortening the stride before a fence. Therefore, he suggested the horse be allowed to naturally lengthen its stride toward a fence and with the rider positioned more forward, be more balanced and therefore have a smoother take off, more comfortable jump and successful landing. The forward seat meant the riders centre of gravity and balance was placed directly over the horse’s, making jumping a uniting act and thus 100 times easier for both parties.

Rules of jumping
Prior to the course being ridden, competitors will often, if not always, take the opportunity to walk the course so that they may work out their chosen routes (some competitions offer alternative routes for one or more combination of fences – one is often easier but takes a considerably longer time) and lines and decide on the stride that their horse will need to take in order to clear the fence successfully. The higher levels of course often have sharp corners and unusual distances; for example, making a distance between 2 fences require 6 and a half strides is going to mean a rider must alter their horse’s stride dramatically so that it may have a comfortable take off and landing.
Different countries and federations observe different rules, but the general consensus is as follows:

• Jumping Penalties – accountable for refusals and knockdowns. Each time adds 4 faults. Only if a knockdown alters the size of the fence are faults awarded.
• Time Penalties - 1 time penalty/fault added for every second or fraction of a second over the allowed time. For example, if the allocated time was 85 seconds, and the competitors finish time was 86.5 seconds, 2 time penalties/faults are added.  
• Rider or horse fall – elimination.
• Refusals - if a horse refuses more than twice at the same fence, then the horse and rider combination are eliminated.

When a round has been completed, these penalties are added up and the horse/rider combination is placed according to the final score. Placings are based on the lowest number of points or "faults" accumulated. When a horse/rider combination doesn’t accumulate any faults, it is known as a ‘clear round’. If there are any ‘ties’ then all of those combinations are usually put into a jump off whereby they will try and clear a shortened course where the fences are also often put up. The fastest time with the least amount of faults then wins this. There is potential for it to continue until a winner is found!

Different kinds of fence
Fences are often very elaborate, colourful and expertly designed at competitions. They are often decorated with various kinds of plants, flowers and objects such as miniature scarecrows or other such decorations. These are in place not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to present a problem to both horse and rider. They are therefore often used a test of skill and make a course slightly more challenging if they present a problem to a ‘spooky’ horse or nervous rider.

• Vertical/Upright – no spread or width.
• Oxer/Spread – Two uprights places at varying distance from each other to introduce width.

• Square/Box oxer – both top poles are of an equal height.
• Ascending/Ramped oxer – the furthest pole is higher then the first
• Descending/Offset oxer – closest pole is higher then the second.
• Swedish oxer - the poles slant in opposite directions, so that they appear to form an "X" shape when seen head on.

• Triple bar – a spread using three elements of progressive heights.
• Hogsback – combination of a triple bar and a spread as the middle bar is always the highest element.
• Open water – large expanse of water
• Liverpool – a ditch or large tray of water underneath a fence of any kind.
• Combination – 2 or 3 jumps in a row with no more than 1 or 2 strides between each fence. If a horse refuses one of these fences it must go back and jump the entire combination again.
• Cross pole/rail – not commonly used in competition but refers to 2 poles of equal height but crossed in the middle with the other end touching the floor. Used for schooling purposes to encourage the horse to jump the centre of the fence.
• Joker – a rustic pole (unpainted) and wings. This fence is difficult because without the assistance of fillers or extra poles, a horse finds it hard to judge proximity to and height of the fence.

Types of Competition
There are many different levels of competition available to riders of all abilities, from the odd 70cm class at weekends to money-winning qualifiers for big events like Horse of the Year Show.

• Grand Prix – highest level of show jumping whereby horses will be expected to jump a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights and spreads of up to 6.5 feet/2 meters. Such events include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games and the Samsung Super League series. Competitions of this nature are often observed under CSI (Concours de Saut International) rules. It is broken down into a starring system where the higher the number of stars, the higher status the event and the more money that can be won. For example, a 5 star event offers around £250,000 in winnings.
• Speed Derby – Riders encourage their horses round a course of fences as fast as they possibly can. It is simply a test of speed rather than technique or style.
• Puissance – most commonly known is the Horse of the Year show event, whereby competitors take their horses to a singular fence that goes up in height in each round. Once a horse knocks the fence down, it is eliminated. The fence continues to go up until the last rider is standing.

• By clicking here you can watch Guy Williams winning the Puissance at HOYS 2007.
• Accumulator – Riders are presented with a choice of fences that are weighted with a certain amount of points depending on difficulty. Competitors then jump any fence they choose in any order in a specified time limit. The points are added together and a winner is selected.
• Match Race/Double Slalom – two identical courses are set up in a split arena and two competitors race over them.
• Unaffiliated Jumping - jumping at a local level, Pony Club or riding club standard or taking part in trailblazer-classes (competition structure suitable for the true amateur/recreational rider with four levels of show jumping competitions over heights of .75M / .85M / .95M and 1.05M)
• Affiliated Jumping – Both horse and riders are members of the BSJA and jump under more stringent conditions. Click here for more information on competitions and regulations.