What is Stadium Jumping?

In Stadium Jumping, also known as Show Jumping, riders and horses must jump a specially designed course of 15 to 20 obstacles, with "faults" (i.e. penalty points) if the horse refuses or brings down the highest element of an obstacle (fence) or if they exceed the time allowed.  The ultimate goal is a "clean" or no fault round.

History of Stadium Jumping

By the last 18th century, jumping became an essential feature of the sport of fox hunting.  Some literature suggests Grand Prix style show jumping began in Paris in 1866.  In 1906, Equestrian sports were proposed as a permanent addition to Olympic competition.  By 1944, a record entry of 99 riders from 17 counties entered the Paris Olympics.  For the 2000 Olympics, there will be 79 riders from over 16 countries competing in show jumping alone!

The term Grand Prix translates from French to mean "richest of greatest prize".  The term is often used to designate the most challenging or sophisticated level of competition in a particular sport.  America's first Grand Prix took place in Cleveland in 1965.  Over the past 10 years, Show Jumping has enjoyed a remarkable growth in popularity.  American riders, Olympic successes at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, 1988 Seoul Olympics, 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics helped thrust the sport into the spotlight.

Competition and Scoring

No two Grand Prix courses are the same.  The course designer's goal is to provide a challenging course that only a few horses can complete with no faults.  Using a variety of colors, types of jumps, and combinations of jumps, course designers alter the courses according to the level of competition.  Jumps range in height from approximately 4'3" to 5'6".  Fences are positioned in the arena with a carefully measured distance between them to allow the riders to complete the course within the maximum time.

Riders and horses must negotiate the designated course with the ultimate goal of acquiring no faults.  Horses are required to jump 15 to 20 obstacles, with "faults" (i.e. penalty points) being assessed if a horse refuses or brings down the highest rail of an obstacle (fences).  The riders must also be mindful of the ever-ticking clock.  Riders need to complete the course within the time allowed to avoid time penalties.  There is also a maximum time limit - riders unable to complete the course within the time limit are eliminated.  If either the horse or rider falls, the pair is eliminated (except in championship competitions).  The order for each horse and rider combination is determined by a draw prior to the class.

Types of Jumps

  • Vertical - Straight up and down fences with no spread width to it; appears simple, but is one of the most difficult for the horse to jump

  • The Wall - Solid looking, with top sections which can be dislodged resulting in faults

  • Oxers - Two elements in one jump to create a spread; parallel oxers present the most difficult.

  • Triple Bar - A spread fence with three elements of graduating height; very wide but relatively easy to jump

  • Combination - Series of two or more fences one or two strides apart.  A refusal of any fence required the horse and rider to re-jump the entire combination.

  • Water Jump - A broad jump of 12' - 16'; a low hedge or fence usually, but not always, marks the leading edge; horse must clear the tape on the far side of the jump or incur jumping faults.

  • Gate - Vertical jump made to appear solid by using planks, gates, brush, or balustrades.

 

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