Whether competing in the show ring or just wanting to jump your horse in the backyard, it’s essential to understand the horse jump standards. Various jumping standards range from the Hunter/jumper show jumps to the modified and intermediate equestrian jumping standards.
Schooling jump standard
A schooling horse jumps standard is a small structure with two vertical beams. This structure can be found in several styles. It can also be found in several sizes and prices. You can expect to pay a few dollars for a standard, though you’ll likely have to shell out a few bucks more if you want something more elaborate.
The construction of a typical jump takes a matter of hours. If you’re not interested in tearing your hair out, buy a pre-made jump kit or order a custom-built set. Buying a jump kit is a surefire way to save money. However, you will need some legwork to find the best deals.
The spacing is one of the essential features of a schooling jump standard. Ideally, you’ll need at least two feet between the three criteria. That leaves plenty of room for poles, gates, or walls to fit in between.
Hunter/jumper show jumps
Show jumping, also known as hunter/jumper, is a sport that the Federation Equestre International governs, or FEI. The federation oversees most major show jumping competitions.
Show jumping events include classes for both amateurs and professionals. Hunter/jumper shows have three main divisions: jumper, equitation, and hunter. In the equitation classes, riders are judged on the quality of their form.
On the other hand, Jumpers are judged by a combination of time and faults. Generally, the fastest clean round wins. However, this is not always the case. Some competitions may require the horse and rider to wear a mandatory armband.
Regardless of the level of competition, the most common penalties are jumping and time faults. For example, a rail down would be a time penalty, while taking off too quickly would be a jumping fault.
Generally, the jumper class has brighter standards and higher fences than the hunter class. They also have a more comprehensive range of equipment.
Modified and intermediate
The Modified and Intermediate horse jump standards are designed to help equitation horses prepare for the Preliminary and Advanced levels of eventing. These two levels are the highest levels of horse trials in the U.S. This level of eventing requires a lot of time in the saddle and commitment.
Depending on the competition, each age group may compete in several sections. In addition to the standard dressage test, there is an obstacle phase, which requires a horse to jump a series of obstacles. It is a fast-paced, challenging sport, and riders and horses must work on their fitness and jumping skills.
At the Modified level, the number of starters may be limited by the results of previous classes. This is because the course is more complicated. A horse and rider team must jump a clear round of tall obstacles. They also must clear water and dams.
Half pirouettes, which involve three or four strides, require a solid and balanced horse. In addition, they are highly collected. Therefore, riders will be asked to lengthen their reins and widen their hands.
EasyUp’s horse jumps and equipment are tested and approved by equestrian centers.
Show jumping is an equestrian sport in which the horse is jumped over various obstacles. Show jumping aims to test the horse’s athletic ability and assess the rider’s carefulness.
A typical show jumping course has ten or more obstacles. Each obstacle is usually placed at a similar distance from the next one. Typically, the system is designed by the course designer.
Various national federations govern show jumping classes. As a result, these rules vary, and it is essential to understand them before competing.
Penalties are assessed for failing to jump the obstacle and knocking the rail. If a fence is knocked down, the course will not be awarded.
In addition to a score, time penalties are also assessed. The number of time penalties can be up to ten. In addition, when the horse lands, its feet will be marked with white tape.
Show jumps are part of a group of English riding equestrian events, which include eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. For example, the Grand Prix is the highest level of show jumping competition.