Horses Jumping are a Beautiful sight
If you enjoy seeing horses jumping you will get more from the sport by understanding more of the rules and techniques. There are two basic types of jumping events known as show jumping or stadium jumping and cross-country.
In show jumping the horse executes a route around the arena while jumping obstacles of varying height and width. It is a timed event where limited time is allowed and both horse and rider are judged on their abilities.
In the cross-country event the jumps are set up in the woods and the course must be followed. There are judges at each jump to grade you and you must complete the course in the allotted time.
Either show jumping or cross-country can be one element of a horse show. For this article we will focus our attention on show jumping.
The following will help you to understand show jumping better. Show jumping is related to the English style of horse show as opposed to the American Western style. It is done in horse show events worldwide including the Olympics.
Teaching horses jumping techniques requires some skill and patience on the part of the rider. Here is basically how it is done. You will need a cavelletti which is an adjustable height training tool resembling a rail. At first you will set the cavelletti to its lowest level only inches off the ground. You will simply have your horse walk over the cavelletti to improve his balance and coordination.
The next step is to speed your horse to a trot as he crosses over the rail. Do this repeatedly until he feels confident. Balance and coordination are further improved. He will learn to raise and lower his feet with perfect timing.
Next you speed your horse further to a lope. Timing will be a little more difficult at the higher speed but practise will continue to build his confidence.
Now raise the cavelletti to around six or eight inches off the ground. Take your horse through the same pattern of increased speeds at the new height. Continue to raise the rail about three inches at a time and go through the same speed increases for each new height. Your horses jumping skill will soon allow jumping full height standard show jumps.
Here is a tip or two for the rider interested in horse jumping. As you approach the jump raise yourself off the saddle on the balls of your feet maintaining a stable position in the stirrups. Keep your back straight and lean forward. Maintain this position while the horse is in the air and return to your normal riding position when the horse comes down. It is acceptable to grasp the horse’s mane. It is not painful.
You may also enjoy equestrian horses.
