Show jumping is a competitive equestrian sport that tests the rider’s ability to control the horse at speed and negotiate challenging courses. It’s a sport that involves risks and requires competitors to exhibit excellent control and riding ability. However, like all sports, show jumping has its own set of rules and regulations that must be followed at all times. These include things like maintaining a safe distance from other competitors, keeping the horse under perfect control and always maintaining a certain standard of dress and grooming while competing. If you’re thinking about getting into the sport of show jumping, you’ll want to make sure that your horse is properly trained before entering a class. Here are some common faults that you need to watch out for as you prepare to compete in this exciting equestrian sport.
Maintaining Perfect Control
One of the biggest mistakes that new show jumpers often make is that they don’t maintain perfect control of their horse. This is something that you should always be vigilant about, as it’s a sure way to get yourself disqualified from a class. If you’re in a jump-off where the goal is to knock off the most amount of penalty points, keeping your horse under perfect control is absolutely crucial. If you feel like your horse is starting to lose its composure, you need to stop immediately and ask for a re-ride. A loss of focus or an inability to maintain your position on the course could result in you losing the competition. Even if you think that you’re doing everything right, it doesn’t hurt to have a few backup plans in case something goes wrong.
There are a number of ways you can test your horse’s ability to maintain control. The best method is to have another rider jump alongside you while you’re trying to get the horse accustomed to the course. This way, you’ll be able to test the horse’s ability to focus on the course and listen to your instructions under pressure. You can also use a whip or spurs to test your horse’s focus. This is especially useful if you’re in a timed jump-off, as it will allow you to know if the horse is struggling to understand your instructions. If you notice that your horse seems to be losing focus, don’t be afraid to ask for a re-ride. This is a common mistake that new riders often make, but you absolutely need to remain focused at all times while jumping.
Another common fault in show jumping is losing your focus or getting distracted during the competition. This is a very easy thing to do, as the adrenaline and excitement of competing can take you away from the task at hand. You need to remain fully focused on the course at all times, and if something starts to distract you, you need to take a step back and regain control of yourself. There are a number of things that you can do to avoid falling prey to distractions. The first thing is to make sure that you’re mentally prepared for the competition. You need to be fully focused and ready to go and have all of your equipment in place. If you find that you’re feeling distraught or anxious, you can always withdraw from the competition.
## Showing off Wrong in the Saddle
Another common fault in show jumping is showing off while riding. As the rider, it’s your job to remain focused on the course at all times. This means that you should avoid any and all attempts to show off or flaunt your skills. While it may seem like you’re being fancy while showing off your balance and control of the horse, you’re actually doing the exact opposite. If you’re showing off while riding, you’re putting your own safety at risk and you’re taking away from the rest of the field. You’re also setting yourself up for a huge fall, which could put you out of the competition. If you feel like you must show off, try to do it subtly. Use your body to lean in towards the horse, then drop your hands to the reins and bring them back up again. This will allow you to signal to the horse without being too flashy.
## Lacking Focus during the Course
Another common fault in show jumping is failing to show any sort of focus throughout the course. This is a mistake that many riders make, as they jump into the competition without taking the time to get a feel for the course. You’re required to complete a warm-up before each jump, so make sure that you take this time to get your horse familiar with the course. After the warm-up, take a few moments to survey the course and make any adjustments that you may need to make. You’re required to maintain a certain distance from other competitors, and that distance is set by a “marking system”. Make sure that you follow this system and don’t violate any of the rules. This will allow you to maintain a consistent pace throughout the competition and avoid falling behind.
## Mistreating the Horse
Another common fault in show jumping is mistreating the horse during the course. This may seem like an odd way to avoid a penalty, but it’s actually something that you should be very wary of. If you’re using a whip or spurs to get your horse to jump, you’re engaging in mistreatment. This can get you disqualified from the competition and even lead to you being dropped from the team. It’s important to note that you can’t use spurs or a whip at all times. You’re required to use them in specific instances, such as when you want your horse to make a certain jump.
## Conclusion
Show jumping is a competitive equestrian sport that tests the rider’s ability to control the horse at speed and negotiate challenging courses. It’s a sport that involves risks and requires competitors to exhibit excellent control and riding ability. However, like all sports, show jumping has its own set of rules and regulations that must be followed at all times. These include things like maintaining a safe distance from other competitors, keeping the horse under perfect control and always maintaining a certain standard of dress and grooming while competing. If you’re thinking about getting into the sport of show jumping, you’ll want to make sure that your horse is properly trained before entering a class. Here are some common faults that you need to watch out for as you prepare to compete in this exciting equestrian sport.