Show Jumping improves the agility and focus of both horse and rider. It utilizes physical skills to negotiate a series of obstacles, and mental skills to plan the proper lines and approaches to allow the horse to jump those obstacles. The jumps are colorful and of varying heights and widths. Wide jumps or ‘spread jumps’ may include water that horses must leap over, but not touch. Each course is intended to demonstrate the horse’s freedom, energy, training and obedience, as well as the rider’s horsemanship. The goal of the horse and rider combination is negotiating the course without errors or disobediences.
Show Jumping in Pony Club is very similar to other Show Jumping competitions. Members compete on a team of three to four riders with a Stable Manager and generally complete three jumping rounds at a rally. One round is a traditional show jumping round, one is judged using the riders form over the fences (equitation), and in the final round members must jump all the obstacles in the arena cleanly. Members who qualify at their regional rally may go on to compete in the National Championships.
Show Jumping opportunities in Pony Club include qualifying for the National Pony Jumper Finals Pony Club team held each year at the USEF National Pony Jumper Finals. Riders are selected from those members who qualify at USEF rated jumper shows by earning the highest number of points, competing in the pony divisions. Pony Club also offers many awards for excellence in the discipline of Show Jumping.
Those members who wish to specialize in the sport of Show Jumping begin their certifications at the Local-Level in the Hunter Seat Equitation or Eventing tracks. Upon achieving their C-2 certification in either track, members begin their National-Level certifications at the C-3 level, culminating with the A Show Jumping. Members demonstrate more advanced skills on the flat, over gymnastic lines, and over courses ranging in height from 1.10m (C-3) to 1.20m (A). Their skills are tested further with riding an unfamiliar horse both on the flat and over fences.
A Show Jumping competition is usually comprised of multiple rounds that feature entirely different courses, designed to challenge the horse and rider in many ways. Show jumping courses can consist of anywhere from 8 to 12 obstacles, including water, walls, panels, and combinations, or a series of multiple jumps in a line. Horse and rider must negotiate the specified course in the allotted time without bringing any of the elements down or touching the water. If each round is completed clearly, without incurring any penalties, the horse and rider move on to a shorter course as a timed jump-off. The winner is determined by the fastest, penalty-free round.
