What are some of the most prestigious British show jumping competitions?

The British show jumping world is an intriguing place. Not only does it boast some of the most world-class horse and rider combinations on show at any given time, but the sport’s tight-knit community is both proud and passionate about their riding and breeding abilities.Show jumping is a discipline that has been part of the British horse show calendar from as long as many of us can remember – but what exactly does it entail? Why is it so prestigious? And what other equestrian disciplines does it sit alongside? Read on to find out more about these questions and more...

What is show jumping?

Show jumping is a competitive event where horse-and-rider combinations attempt to clear fences or obstacles in a set order. The height of the fences (often over 1.5 metres) and obstacles (often vertical) varies depending on the competition and the discipline. The discipline is called the ‘class’ and the competition is known as the ‘classic’ – for example, a ‘Grand Prix’ or ‘Grand Prix Special’.The discipline has many variations, including hunting, eventing, and stadium jumping. It’s also worth noting that show jumping is different from eventing in terms of the skills needed and the type of horse that is best suited to each. For example, eventing is a more challenging sport that requires a certain amount of stamina, whereas show jumping is an easier sport for less-experienced horses.

How does show jumping work?

In a typical show jumping competition, the rider and horse will first attempt to clear a ‘table’ or ‘hacking’ fence. This is a vertical fence that is just above the height of a standard cross-rail fence. If the horse is able to clear the table without stopping or falling off, then the rider will then attempt to jump a ‘flying’ or ‘progression’ fence. If the horse is still able to clear this, then the rider will then attempt to jump another table or flying fence.If the horse fails to clear any of the fences, then the rider must return to the starting position. This means the rider must be able to get the horse back on the correct lead (without stopping) and ready to attempt to clear the fences again.

Which British show jumping events are the most prestigious?

The British show jumping calendar is jam-packed with prestigious events, but some stand out above the rest. Here are a few of our favourites...The Badminton Horse Trials (BHT) – The BHT is the oldest and most prestigious event in the British show jumping calendar. It’s a 3-day event held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London, and attracts some of the world’s best jumpers and horse owners. It’s particularly popular with younger riders, as it’s a more relaxed event than many others.

The Eblex British Open Horse Trials

The Eblex British Open Horse Trials is a 2-day event held in December, with a maximum of 850 competitors expected to show up. The event is open to all competing disciplines, including dressage and show jumping. It’s also worth noting that the event is a fundraiser for the British Horse Society, which offers support to horse owners across the UK. The event is one of the largest show jumping competitions in the world, with top competitors coming from across the globe.

The Aachen Horse Show

The Aachen Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the world, with a long history dating back to the 14th century. It’s held every year in October at the Aachen Palace in Germany, and attracts some of the most prestigious horse and rider combinations from across the globe.The event is widely considered to be the ultimate test of skill and endurance for horse and rider, and is one of the most difficult show jumping events in the world.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is another one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the world, with a long history dating back to 1836. It’s held every year in August at Windsor Castle in England, and attracts some of the most prestigious horse and rider combinations from across the globe.The event is widely considered to be the ultimate test of skill and endurance for horse and rider, and is one of the most difficult show jumping events in the world.

The Gatcombe MPG Stakes

The Gatcombe MPG Stakes is an event that attracts around 200 competitors every year. It’s held at Gatcombe Park near Oxford, and is one of the more relaxed show jumping competitions on the calendar.The event is a great event for new and inexperienced riders to compete in, and offers a great opportunity for aspiring young horse and rider combinations to gain experience and learn from the top riders.

The Badminton Horse Trials (BHT)

The BHT is the oldest and most prestigious event in the British show jumping calendar. It’s a 3-day event held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in London, and attracts some of the world’s best jumpers and horse owners. The event is particularly popular with younger riders, as it’s a more relaxed event than many others.

The Aachen Horse Show

The Aachen Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the world, with a long history dating back to the 14th century. It’s held every year in October at the Aachen Palace in Germany, and attracts some of the most prestigious horse and rider combinations from across the globe.The event is widely considered to be the ultimate test of skill and endurance for horse and rider, and is one of the most difficult show jumping events in the world.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is another one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the world, with a long history dating back to 1836. It’s held every year in August at Windsor Castle in England, and attracts some of the most prestigious horse and rider combinations from across the globe.The event is widely considered to be the ultimate test of skill and endurance for horse and rider, and is one of the most difficult show jumping events in the world.

The Gatcombe MPG Stakes

The Gatcombe MPG Stakes is an event that attracts around 200 competitors every year. It’s held at Gatcombe Park near Oxford, and is one of the more relaxed show jumping competitions on the calendar.The event is a great event for new and inexperienced riders to compete in, and offers a great opportunity for aspiring young horse and rider combinations to gain experience and learn from the top riders.

The Royal International Horse Show

The Royal International Horse Show is a huge event that attracts over 150