Show Jumping

Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at Horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines. *Information Courtesy of Wikipedia*

An Oxer. Surrey County Show, Guildford, England, May 2004. Oxer - Basically two verticals close together, to make the jump wider. Also called a spread. Ascending Oxer: The furthest pole is higher than the first. Descending Oxer: The furthest pole is lower than the closest. Swedish Oxer: The poles slant in opposite directions, so that they appear to form an "X" shape when seen head on. Triple Bar - Is a spread fence using three elements of graduating heights. It is a relatively easy jump although usually very wide. Crossrail- not commonly used in sanctioned horse shows, two poles crossed on jump standards so that the center is lower than the sides. Used at small shows and for schooling purposes to help the horse jump in the center of the fence. Wall - This type of jump is usually made to look like a brick wall, but the "bricks" are constructed of a lightweight material and fall easily when knocked. Hogsback - A type of jump where the tallest pole is in the center. Filler - This is not a type of fence but is a solid part below the poles, such as flower boxes or a rolltop. It can also be a gate. Combination - any number of jumps in a row, with a certain number of strides in between. Open water: a wide ditch of water

Rider attire may be somewhat less formal than that used in hunter riding. However, at an approved competition, a hunt coat is always worn, with a light-colored (usually white) shirt and either choker or stock tie. An approved ASTM/SEI helmet with a harness is not only a requirement, but a practical necessity to protect the rider's head in the event of a fall. Breeches are traditional in color, usually white, tan, or beige. Tall boots are required, usually black. Spurs are optional, but commonly used. Gloves, usually black, are optional, as is braiding of the horse. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Show jumping competitors use a jumping saddle, which has a forward flap and a seat that is slightly further back than other English type saddles. This gives the rider support over fences as they ride with short stirrups. Other saddles, such as those designed for dressage, can seriously hinder a rider over large fences, forcing them into a position that may hinder the horse's movement or put the rider dangerously behind the movement of the horse. Saddle pads are usually white and square in shape. Girths vary in type, but usually have a contour to give room for the horse's elbows, and many have belly guards to protect the underside of the horse from its shoe studs when the front legs are tightly folded under. Bridles may be used with any style of cavesson noseband, and there are few rules regarding the severity of this equipment. The figure-8 cavesson is the most popular type. Bits may also vary in severity, and competitors may use any bit, or even a bitless hackamore. However, the ground jury at the show has the right, based on veterinary advice, to refuse a bit or bridling scheme if it could cause harm to the horse. Boots are worn by almost all the horses, due to the fact that they may easily injure their legs when landing or when making tight turns at speed. Open-fronted tendon boots are usually worn on the forelegs, because they provide protection for the delicate tendons that run down the back of the leg, but still allow the horse to feel a rail should it get careless and hang its legs. Fetlock boots are sometimes seen on the rear legs, primarily to prevent the horse from hitting itself on tight turns. Martingales are very common, especially on horses used at the Grand Prix level. The majority of jumpers are ridden in running martingales, as these provide the most freedom over fences. Breastplates are also common, used to keep the saddle in place as the horse goes over large fences.