Show jumping is one of the most popular and recognizable equestrian sports in the world. However, it might not be something you and your family have ever experienced first-hand.
“There is a misconception that show jumping is easy and the horse does all of the work, but it is a very technical sport,” says Jeremy Ockey, owner and head trainer of Silver Haven Equestrian. “You need strength, balance, and stamina.”
Jumping appears alongside eventing and dressage in the equestrian events featured at the Olympic Games. Jumper classes are scored objectively based solely on the horse’s athletic ability over fences as measured by time.
“Show jumping teaches children discipline and how to master their emotions,” says Jeremy, who has been riding since he was eight and coaching jumping, dressage and horsemanship for ten years, including the last two years with Silver Haven Equestrian.
“You need to be able to have a goal in mind and put a plan in place in order to reach it.”
A jumper’s only job in competition is to clear all of the fences on the course as quickly as possible without incurring any faults. A horse and rider combination incurs faults for each mistake made: four faults for each rail knocked down, four faults for the first refusal (followed by elimination on the second refusal), one fault for every second over the maximum time allowed to navigate the course, and elimination for going off-course. The horse with the least number of faults and the fastest time wins. Jumper courses, which are technical in nature and typically consist of 12 to 16 jumps, require strategic riding in addition to a swift pace.
“You need to have dedication because you don’t get anything you don’t earn in show jumping,” says Jeremy.
“It instills problem-solving and self-confidence and masks it all in a sport that allows you to nurture your love of animals.”
Spectator Sport
If you would rather take a seat in the stands than in the saddle, you aren’t alone. Show jumping is popular with spectators because it is easy to understand and exciting to watch. Lucky for us, Calgary has a world-class equestrian facility.
Spruce Meadows is the leading venue in the world for international horse sports, with a focus on show jumping tournaments for junior, amateur, and professional athletes.
“Almost invariably, when people come to Spruce Meadows for the first time, their first words are ‘I had no idea this was here!’’' says Senior Vice President of Spruce Meadows Ian Allison.
“Whatever your preconceptions are, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised. We have a 90 percent revisionism rate.”
Spruce Meadows has five tournaments that are open to the public through the spring, summer, and early fall. They are the Continental, National, and Pan-American tournaments in June, the North American in July, and the Masters in September.
“Watching show jumping is for every walk of life at every age and stage. We often have two, three, even four generations come and watch a competition and they all have a different connection to the sport,” says Ian.
“It is interesting because, unlike other sports, you are not cheering for one athlete or team against another, fans are cheering for the rider against the course.”
The Masters tournament takes place from September 4 to 8 and promises an unforgettable experience for riders, spectators, and enthusiasts. This year, Spruce Meadows will welcome back athletes who have recently competed at the Paris Summer Olympic Games.
September also marks the return of the Blacksmith World Championships, where master craftsmen from around the globe will showcase their skills and compete for the title. This prestigious event brings together the finest artisans in the industry, offering spectators a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind the scenes.
In addition to watching the competitions, families can enjoy other activities around the 500 acres of land including a market, pony rides, face painting, course tours, visits to the stables, and agility races by the Spruce Meadows Prairie Dogs. CCM
Learn more about Spruce Meadows at sprucemeadows.com and Silver Haven Equestrian at silverhaveneq.com.
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