Show jumping is a fascinating world where athletes compete and spectators watch from grandstands at international events. There are different disciplines for juniors and professionals, and the sport is growing in popularity. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a jockey, or a groomer, or a vet, now’s your chance to find out! There are many ways to get involved with show jumping, whether it’s as a rider or as a spectator. Show jumping events can be found at horse shows and equestrian events all over the UK. Here we outline some of the opportunities to get involved in British show jumping if you’re interested in becoming part of this growing sport.
Ride as a Jockey
If you’ve ever watched horse racing and thought, “I could do that!” then you may have thought about trying your hand at riding as a jockey. While the skillset required to be a successful jockey is very different to the skills needed to ride in show jumping, it’s worth considering whether it’s something you’d like to try. You’ll need to be at a very high level of fitness and be able to remain calm under pressure. You’ll also need to be able to ride in a variety of different disciplines, which could include show jumping, dressage, flat racing, and hurdling.
Work as a Vet
If you’re looking for a career that’s not just about showing horses but also about educating young people, then working as a vet may be for you. There are many opportunities to work as a vet, and some will specialise in certain areas, such as training, breeding, and horse management. Working as a vet can be a rewarding career that allows you to travel the country and meet lots of different people. You will need to have a good understanding of anatomy, be able to work under pressure, and be able to deal with a variety of different circumstances.
Work as a Trainer
If you’re an experienced rider, you may decide to become a trainer. Trainers work with apprentice riders, and their role is to teach them how to ride well and prepare them for shows. Trainers work with every discipline of show jumping, from the young rider to the professional. If you’re a trainer, you’ll be responsible for many aspects of the sport, from grooming and cleaning the horses to making sure that the ring is ready for the riders. Trainers will usually work with apprentices who are striving to reach the top level of the sport.
Work in the Stables
If you’re a keen rider but don’t want to be on the ground, you could try working in the stables. You could work in a variety of different roles, such as grooming or assisting with the horses. If you’re a horse lover, working in the stables may be for you. It’s important to note that working in the stables is a physically demanding job, and you may need to be fit to do it. You may also be working with animals, which means you’ll need to have a good understanding of animal behaviour.
Watch the Events as a Spectator
If you don’t want to get involved with show jumping, but you still love watching the sport, you can do that too! You can find show jumping events at horse shows and equestrian events all over the country. Many of these events are open to the public, so you can watch from the stands and cheer on your favourite competitors. If you’re not sure where to go to watch show jumping, you can check out the British Show Jumping Facebook page, which has a list of upcoming events. You can even plan your trip around visiting a show, so you can see what it’s like to be a rider!