Show jumping, also known as open jumping, is part of a group of equestrian events in English horsemanship that also includes dressage, eventing, hunter/jumper and equitation.
It is an activity in which the ability of the horse and rider to jump over a series of obstacles, in a given order, is judged. This discipline is one of the most popular of equestrian sports and the most widely used by riders today, and is the most modern speciality of equestrian sport.
Origin of show jumping
It is often said that its origins date back to the middle of the 18th century, in England, as part of the sport of cross-country hunting on horseback.
This was a practice where riders had to overcome obstacles of all kinds: hedges, rocks, branches… Soon the jumping became an interesting equestrian competition, where with a still very rudimentary technique the competitors faced the obstacles in closed enclosures.
Already in the 19th century, hunting through fenced fields increased this practice considerably, not only in the UK, but in almost all of Europe, and it was then that the interest in the sport of jumping began to increase more than hunting.
Show jumping competition
Show jumping is one of the most popular disciplines in the equestrian world.
We have already analysed the origins of this sport. But now it is time to briefly discuss what this competition consists of, from start to finish.
Clothing: the rider must wear white or light beige jodhpurs, black or brown boots, a white shirt with sleeves, a plain red, blue or black jacket and a white tie or necktie.
Warming up: before the ride, the rider must warm up in the rehearsal arena, where there will be different jumps to practice before the test.
Entry to the arena on foot: before the start of the event, riders may enter the arena to do a reconnaissance lap of the course to be ridden.
The course: the obstacle course is marked by numbers and letters. In addition, a white flag is placed on the left and a red flag on the right of all the compulsory passages.
Trials can be time-limited or time-unlimited, and the start and finish of a trial will be marked by the sound of a bell.
The bell: is the means by which the jury communicates with the participant. It is used to indicate:
– If the arena is open or closed.
– That the course can be started, after having greeted the jury.
– When someone is eliminated or penalised.
Best materials for show jumping
At Equspaddock we have the best materials to make the practice of show jumping as comfortable as possible. Among the best materials you will find:
– Medium and premium show jumping.
– Basic training obstacles
– 2000, 3000, 4000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series poles
– Planks of many types and flags with supports
– Foldable bidets
