Show Jumping

Show jumping is an equestrian sport in which a horse and rider combination are required to jump a set course of approximately 6 to 12 colourful obstacles not exceeding a specified maximum height within a set time allowed. Penalties are given for knocking down rails, refusing to jump fences, and exceeding the time allowed. The object is to complete a 'clean round'; to jump the course with no penalties incurred. The courses are usually more 'technical'; with tighter turns, more fences, and more complex patterns found when compared to the typical stadium jumping course seen at a horse trial.

In Pony Club, you will see three different types of classes. First, the Jumper Medal Equitation class judges the rider's ability and effectiveness over a jumper course. Penalties and time are still assessed, but are not the sole contributors to the competitor's final score. At the discretion of the judge, the top riders after the over fences phase can be called back for a 'flat phase', where their equitation on the flat is judged.

Second, the Table AM5, consists of a first round scored on penalties. All riders who have gone clean will return for a timed jumpoff, where more emphasis is placed on speed, and penalties are converted to seconds added. The third type of class is the Power and Speed class. This competition comprises two phases run without interruption, each at an identical or different speed, the finishing line for the first phase being identical with the starting line for the second phase.

The first phase is a course of 8 to 9 obstacles with or without combinations. The second phase takes place over 4 to 6 obstacles, which may include one combination. Competitors penalized in the first phase are halted by ringing the bell after they have jumped the last obstacle or when the time allowed for the first phase has been exceeded, after crossing the finishing line of the first phase. They must stop after crossing the first finishing line. Competitors not penalized in the first phase continue the course, which finishes, after crossing the second finishing line.Competitors stopped after the first phase may only be placed after competitors who have taken part in both phases.

In order to qualify for the Finals competition, the horse and rider combination must have completed one class at once qualifing competition without being eliminated.