Equestrian

What is equestrian show jumping?

Equestrian show jumping is a competition in which a horse and rider travel a course, and the horse leaps over a series of jumps and completing the course in a set time. The course has many challenges, including changes in direction.

How to show jump

The rider leads the horse on a course that has a series of jumps the horse is to complete. The obstacles look like fences, and if the horse knocks part of the fence down, or goes around the fence, points are deducted. The horse and rider must also finish the course in time to avoid more point deductions. The rider plays a key role in winning, choosing the horse’s speed and signalling to the horse when to jump.

How to win

The rider-and-horse team that has the fewest points deducted wins.

Equipment

Saddle – the seat that holds the rider on the horse
Sheepskin boots – protect the horse’s front legs in case they hit the bar
Gert – holds the saddle on the horse
Belly pad – protect the horse’s stomach
Bridle – ropes that go on and around the horse’s head; the rider holds them to direct the horse

Sport lingo

Vertical – a fence with one row of bars
Oxer – a fence with one row after another (so the horse must make a wider jump)
Faults – the points deducted for errors like knocking part of a fence down, or for not finishing the course in time