Showjumping by Vivian Vallarsa
Showjumping is one of the three equestrian sports in the Olympics. In showjumping, a horse and rider ride over a set of jumps in a specific order. Penalties, or faults, are given if they knock down any jumps, jump in the wrong order, or if a horse refuses. The winner is the athlete who has the lowest number of penalties and the fastest time.
Horses and riders have been jumping over natural obstacles ever since people started riding horses; however, it wasn’t until the 19th century that jumping became an admired equestrian skill.
Because of the lack of documentation, much of showjumping’s early history is unknown. What we do know though, are the first big showjumping events. We know that Dublin hosted jumping competitions in 1865, Paris in 1866, London in 1876, and New York in 1883.
The first recorded competitions were just competitions of which horses could jump highest, and sometimes widest. Vertical jumps were usually rails or walls, and horizontal jumps were typically water jumps with a hedge in front.
The term showjumping wasn’t always used. Before it became its own category in 1912, show jumpers were put together with hunters, and called hunters for many decades. Hunting is a similar event, but instead of being judged on time, athletes are judged based on rider ability, horse ability, and style.
Showjumping was first introduced to the Olympics in Paris in 1900. In the meantime, amateur competitions began to flourish all over the world. The sport was recognized to be a part of London’s Olympia Horse Show in 1907, and New York’s National Horse Show two years later in 1909.
Showjumping has come a long way from its previous single high jump and broad jump. The event is now a display of riding skill, equine talent, athleticism, and courage. Modern competitions are full of prize money, sponsorships, and media coverage, and it takes a lot to rise to the top.
Horses and riders have been jumping over natural obstacles ever since people started riding horses; however, it wasn’t until the 19th century that jumping became an admired equestrian skill.
Because of the lack of documentation, much of showjumping’s early history is unknown. What we do know though, are the first big showjumping events. We know that Dublin hosted jumping competitions in 1865, Paris in 1866, London in 1876, and New York in 1883.
The first recorded competitions were just competitions of which horses could jump highest, and sometimes widest. Vertical jumps were usually rails or walls, and horizontal jumps were typically water jumps with a hedge in front.
The term showjumping wasn’t always used. Before it became its own category in 1912, show jumpers were put together with hunters, and called hunters for many decades. Hunting is a similar event, but instead of being judged on time, athletes are judged based on rider ability, horse ability, and style.
Showjumping was first introduced to the Olympics in Paris in 1900. In the meantime, amateur competitions began to flourish all over the world. The sport was recognized to be a part of London’s Olympia Horse Show in 1907, and New York’s National Horse Show two years later in 1909.
Showjumping has come a long way from its previous single high jump and broad jump. The event is now a display of riding skill, equine talent, athleticism, and courage. Modern competitions are full of prize money, sponsorships, and media coverage, and it takes a lot to rise to the top.