Remember Me
forgot your password?

Clearing the Obstacles - A Guide to Show Jumping

Going to horse shows, the equestrian show jumping event is one of the most popular attractions. The team work between horse and man, the physical challenges of overcoming obstacles, the pressures of a timed event, make show jumping a truly marvelous spectacle to watch.

In a show jumping course, there are five different types of jumps to overcome:

-verticals
-spreads
-combinations
-walls
-water jumps

Prior to the event, the riders will study the course to determine the best strategy to tackle it. They calculate how many strides between each jump and the tightest line to take in order to save time. However, it is usually best to go over the allotted time than to be assessed penalties.

Penalties, or faults can be assessed by the following ways:

-knocking over an obstacle: 4 faults
-first disobedience of horse for refusing a jump: 4 faults
-rider falls off the horse: 8 faults
-exceeding the time limit: either a quarter-point per second or 1 point per second

The above are considered minor infractions but there are other infractions that result in disqualification:

-second disobedience from the horse
-horse refusing a jump for more than 45 seconds
-a fall by the horse
-going the wrong way in the obstacle course, missing a turn or a jump
-receiving help from an outside source while on course

To negotiate an obstacle course under the prescribed amount of time, trust and cooperation is vital for a successful run with no penalties. When a horse gets head strong and the rider has to react by pulling on the reins, kicking hard or turning hard, that's a sign that the partnership is not going well.

The horse jumps over the obstacles guided by the motion of the riders legs and the reins. However, the horse can also sense the rider's emotions and reacts to that as well. It is a constant interaction between the rider and the horse. A perfect run through the obstacle course should seem effortless as the horse and rider work in unison.

Unlike other sports and their horse racing counterparts, show jumping horses get better with age and experience. The top horses are between nine and fifteen years of age with at least four years of training. Likewise, the riders need the experience and discipline to remain calm to guide the horse through the obstacle course.

Indeed, show jumping is an equestrian event where grace under pressure marks the characteristics of a champion rider and horse alike.

Mariam Ma

Drop In Bucket is your source for horse care supplies. Keep pests at bay with horse fly masks and horse fly sheets.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Pets Articles
  • More from Mariam Ma

Why Dogs Hide Pain

By: Kelly Marshall | 07/12/2009
An animal lovers pet is like their children. They love them as though they were babies and when their pet is sick, they feel bad for them and try to help the pet as best they can. However, when the animal is in pain, it can be hard to tell....

Performing CPR on Your Dog

By: Kelly Marshall | 07/12/2009
Performing CPR on a dog is different than for a human, but also similar. You have to treat a dog just as you would when treating a small child and even a large dog is delicate when it comes to rescue breathing. There are steps to take when it comes...

Caring For Your Pet During the Winter

By: Kelly Marshall | 07/12/2009
When the cold days start setting in, you know that you have to take care to bundle up and to avoid getting sick, but did you know that you should take the same precautions for your pet as well? Just like people, animals are strongly affected by winter, and if...

What Happens When Dogs Get Bloated?

By: Kelly Marshall | 07/12/2009
Bloat is a condition that happens to many dogs, and as a responsible pet owner, it is one that you need to look into and be aware of. When your dog has bloat, it means that his intestinal tract is full of gas or fluid or foam. For the most...

How Can I Choose a Referral Practice?

By: Kelly Marshall | 07/12/2009
When you are in a place where your pet dog needs more intricate care, or when your regular veterinarian is not going to be able to provide the care that your dog needs, you will find that you are going to be sent on to a referral practice. A referral...

Buying a Pet for the Holiday: A Few Tips

By: Kasan Groupe | 07/12/2009
It’s the holiday season which means that lots of kids are going to be tugging at their parents' legs and clamoring for them to buy a dog, cat, hamster or fish for their holiday present. If you are a parent make sure you properly explain to your son or daughter how much work it will be take care of a pet and that they will have to show some responsibility if they really want it as a gift.

Buying a Pet for the Holiday: A Few Tips

By: catherine preth | 07/12/2009
It’s the holiday season which means that lots of kids are going to be tugging at their parents' legs and clamoring for them to buy a dog, cat, hamster or fish for their holiday present. If you are a parent make sure you properly explain to your son or daughter how much work it will be take care of a pet and that they will have to show some responsibility if they really want it as a gift.

Buying a Pet for the Holiday: A Few Tips

By: catherine preth | 07/12/2009
It’s the holiday season which means that lots of kids are going to be tugging at their parents' legs and clamoring for them to buy a dog, cat, hamster or fish for their holiday present. If you are a parent make sure you properly explain to your son or daughter how much work it will be take care of a pet and that they will have to show some responsibility if they really want it as a gift.

Getting Rid of Dog Fleas

By: Mariam Ma | 05/09/2008 | Pets
How to stop the infestation of dog fleas before it turns into a nightmare.

Dog Allergies - Your Dog Suffers Too

By: Mariam Ma | 05/09/2008 | Pets
Allergies are not just a human ailment. Find out the common type of dog allergies and how you can help!

The Inspiration Behind James Bond

By: Mariam Ma | 03/09/2008 | Movies
Ian Fleming created the most famous spy in history. Was his creation autobiographical?

The Benefits of Adopting Shelter Dogs

By: Mariam Ma | 03/09/2008 | Pets
Other than saving a life, there are numerous benefits of adopting a shelter dog that you might not even have considered.

Learning CPR for Dogs

By: Mariam Ma | 01/09/2008 | Pets
Having man's best friend status requires that dogs get proper health care - including CPR for dogs.

The True Story Behind Reality TV

By: Mariam Ma | 19/08/2008 | Television
Examining if reality tv truly reflects everyday life.

Clearing the Obstacles - A Guide to Show Jumping

By: Mariam Ma | 19/08/2008 | Pets
The relationship between horse and rider is crucial in navigating through an obstacle course. This is one event where experience trumps youth.

The Name is James Bond, And Why You Love Him

By: Mariam Ma | 15/08/2008 | Movies
His smugness and his life-style should make you hate him but find out why you just can't say no to 007.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.57, 1, w1)