Show jumping is a sport in which men and women compete as equals on horses or ponies over a specially prepared course containing a variety of obstacles. Show jumping tests a variety of skills, including bravery, communication between horse and rider, and speed. A successful trip around a show jumping course is a mistake-free round within the fastest possible time.
A typical show jumping course is 700 to 1,000 meters (766 to 1,094 yards) long and includes 12 to 15 obstacles. Typical obstacles include gates, fences, parallel bars, imitation walls, hedges, and a water jump. Penalties are assessed for knocking down jumps, an animal’s refusal to jump, falls, and exceeding a certain time. Horses are specially trained for the sport. Their average age is between 9 and 15 years.
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Show jumping originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-1800’s. The first world championships were held in 1953. Today, competitions are held the year round throughout the world in arenas and stadiums and on natural grass fields. Nations Cup competitions between teams of three or four riders are held frequently worldwide. The competitions are also a feature of international championships, including the Summer Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games. Riders compete as individuals in Grand Prix held at major horse shows internationally, including the World Cup Final.
