how many jumps are in a jumper course

by Prof. Van Gaylord III 4 min read

12-16 jumps

Full Answer

What is a a Jumpers course?

A Jumpers course (which is timed) will have both outside lines (i.e. set of jumps that sits close to the rail of the long side of the arena), diagonal lines (i.e. set of jumps arranged on the diagonal of the ring), rollbacks (i.e. jump followed by a turn to another jump), and the super fun triple combination jumps.

How many jumps in a show jumping course?

The type of show jumping class, the height of the jumps, and the technicality of the jumps play a huge role in the number of jumps in a showjumping course. The average show jumping track contains 10 to 12 jumping obstacles per round that is usually followed by a shortened course of 6 jumps over time.

How many hunter/jumper competitions are there in the US?

Each year more than 1,000 US Equestrian-rated and countless other local Hunter/Jumper competitions take place across the country. Each show offers competition for riders of varying skill levels, and each offers Hunter, Jumper and Equitation classes. While Hunter and Jumper classes judge the horse, Equitation classes judge the rider.

What is the difference between Hunter and jumper horse racing?

Hunter rounds should appear smooth and effortless to the spectator with the horse and rider working together to make the course flow from one jump to the next. Hunter courses typically consist of eight to 10 jumps that are more organic in form and generally lower in height than fences used in jumper classes.

What are the factors that determine the number of jumps in a show jumping course?

How many jumps are there in a show jumping track?

What is a vertical jump?

How many poles are there in a cross jump?

How many jumps are there in a GP show?

What is a wall jump?

What is an oxyer jump?

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How many jumps are there in showjumping?

Courses are usually made out of 8-16 jumps. You'll want to make sure you can control your horse and complete a course. What is this? A show jumping course can consist of turns, angles, combinations, certain stride-lengths, and intimidating jumps.

What are the 5 jumping phases?

The five phases of a jumpPhase one – approach. ... Phase two – takeoff. ... Phase three – flight and bascule. ... Phase four – landing. ... Phase five – recovery.

How do jumper classes work?

Competitors jump their course within the time allowed, and hopefully go clear by not taking down any rails. If you're clear, stay in the ring after your round, and wait for the buzzer. After the buzzer, begin your jump-off course, which will be a shorter and amended version of your first course.

How do you memorize a jumping course?

8 Ways to Remember Your Show CourseName the Jumps. Every jump has some defining feature that's worthy of a descriptive nickname. ... Break the Show Course into Sections. ... Plan out Your Turns. ... Repeat the Course, Jumps and Turns out Loud. ... Visualize Your Ride. ... Walk the Course if You Can. ... Draw the Course. ... Play Games.

What makes a good jumper horse?

All great jumpers have two qualities. First is the physical ability to get their bodies up into the air. Second is the mental combination of courage and a great desire to be careful—reluctant to touch, let alone wallop, a rail.

What is a horse jump called?

Horse jumping can also be called show jumping, stadium jumping or hunter jumpers. There are many disciplines that involve jumping horses including eventing, but I will limit this post to the two jumping disciplines that are involved in show jumping in the United States and these are hunters and jumpers.

How many jumps are in a hunter course?

Hunter courses typically consist of eight to 10 jumps that are more organic in form and generally lower in height than fences used in jumper classes.

Is show jumping easy?

This exciting speed- and accuracy-driven sport is a lot of fun for riders and horses alike. Show jumping is an excellent spectator sport, even for non-horse people, due to the format of it being easily recognizable and quick to learn even for those completely unfamiliar with how the sport is judged.

What are the levels of showjumping?

There are four categories within the British Showjumping senior showjumping competitions, they are Club, Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3. For juniors there are Just for Schools, Club and Junior events.

How do you walk a showjumping course?

Walk to the middle of the fence and follow the exact line you will ride to the next jump. This allows you to plan the best route, count the strides, and spot any potential distractions. Susie recommends riders walk the course thoroughly once: “Walking it twice takes too long and you could start looking for problems.

What is the 3rd phase in the 5 phases of jumping?

Phase 3: In the Air To stay in balance requires a position with a solid foundation. Any necessary movement from you should be in keeping with what the horse has to do to jump the fence. Negotiating a 3-foot fence is different than leaping over 5 feet.

What are the phases of a vertical jump?

The standing vertical jump has three phases: the preparatory phase, the propulsive phase, and the flight phase. A single vertical jump is made up of these three phases and also includes one other phase once the jump is over called the landing phase which was not looked at for this study.

What is the first stage of jump?

The long jump can be broken down into four phases – the run up, the takeoff, flight and lastly, landing.

What is the jumping position called?

The jumping position is a position used by equestrians when jumping over an obstacle. It usually involves what is known as the "forward seat" or "2 point" because the rider's legs provide two points over which the rider's weight is balanced on the horse.

What are the components of a jump?

While the components of a jump may vary, all are composed of “standards,” which are the upright structures which hold the “poles” or “rails” between them to form the jump. Here are a few of the most common types of jumps:

What is the time limit for jumping?

In jumpers, each course has a time limit, with a certain number of seconds given to complete the course. This is referred to as the “time allowed.” Horses who go over this time are assessed penalties.

What is a jump off in horse riding?

In the jumper ring, there are certain classes that will have a “jump-off.” If a horse and rider complete their initial course with no faults (meaning they didn’t knock any rails down and came in under the time allowed) they progress to the jump-off, which is a shorter course over the same jumps. Sometimes this happens immediately, without the horse and rider leaving the ring; other times, jump-offs occur after all horses and riders in the class have completed the initial course, having each horse and rider pair return to the ring a second time.

What is a line of jumps?

A “line” of jumps is a term used to describe two or more fences that are usually set in a straight line, with a related distance. The course map will tell riders how many feet are between each fence, denoting the number of strides their horse should take. Sometimes riders further describe a line using the term “outside line” which denotes two jumps set in a line along the fence, or “diagonal line” which means the two jumps are set across the middle of the ring, on the diagonal which causes the horse and rider to change directions as they go over the jumps.

How many feet does a horse canter?

On average, a horse’s canter stride is 12 feet. Distances between fences are set accordingly (in increments of 12’, with 6’ for takeoff and 6’ for landing).

How are jumper classes scored?

Jumper classes are scored objectively based solely on the horse’s athletic ability over fences as measured by time. A jumper’s only job is to clear all the fences in the course as quickly as possible without incurring any faults. A horse incurs faults for each mistake made: four faults for each rail knocked down, four faults for every refusal, and 1 fault for every second over the maximum time allowed to negotiate the course. The horse with the least amount of faults and the fastest time wins. Jumper courses, which are technical in nature and typically consist of 12-16 jumps, require strategic riding in addition to a swift pace.

What is a Hunter Jumper?

The Hunter/Jumper sport is made up of two disciplines: Hunter and Jumper, also known as Show Jumping. Each year more than 1,000 US Equestrian-rated and countless other local Hunter/Jumper competitions take place across the country. Each show offers competition for riders of varying skill levels, and each offers Hunter, Jumper and Equitation classes. While Hunter and Jumper classes judge the horse, Equitation classes judge the rider.

What is equitation class?

Equitation classes are judged on the rider’s ability, form, and skill to allow the horse to perform at its best, but the horse itself is not judged at all . The types of jumps and elements that make up an equitation course can resemble those used in either hunter or jumper classes, but the judging is subjectively based on the rider’s position, style, proficiency, accuracy, use of the aids (hands, seat and legs), as well as an overall impression of complete and quiet control.

How much does USHJA membership cost?

USHJA offers memberships starting at $35 for non-competing members, which provide access to educational programs, numerous product and service discounts, and more.

How many faults does a horse incur for each mistake made?

A horse incurs faults for each mistake made: four faults for each rail knocked down, four faults for every refusal, and 1 fault for every second over the maximum time allowed to negotiate the course. The horse with the least amount of faults and the fastest time wins.

What is table 2 in jumper?

Table II – The table II format is usually seen in the schooling jumper classes. This format is a single round, where all clear rounds are equal in placing. This means that if a horse finishes the course with no faults they receive a blue ribbon, resulting in multiple people in the same class getting a blue ribbon.

What does it mean when you have no jump off in a race?

There is no jump off, meaning that the rider must go fast in the first round to improve the chances of winning. Faults have the same effect in this round, so people with rails place below people with no faults, even if their time is better.

What is the jumpoff in Grand Prix?

After everyone has jumped, those with clear rounds come back for the jumpoff, which is a shortened version of the first course. Time to go fast! Grand Prix classes are often run under this format. But if you’re new to the sport, you’re likely not doing those. I hope.

What is the power and speed class?

This is another common type of class, called Power and Speed. The course is divided into two parts, with the first being the “power” part, and the second being the “speed” portion. If you go clear and within time for the power part of the course, you immediately – without stopping – continue to the speed section of the course, in which you aim to go a bit faster. Essentially, it’s like having the jump-off without stopping your ride.

What is the power part of a golf course?

The course is divided into two parts, with the first being the “power” part, and the second being the “speed” portion. If you go clear and within time for the power part of the course, you immediately – without stopping – continue to the speed section of the course, in which you aim to go a bit faster.

Do jumper classes exist?

Several other kinds of jumper classes exist, but if you’re new to the sport, you’re not likely to be taking part in a puissance (please don’t scare your trainer) or other such classes. The ones above will likely cover you. Of course, there are also so many other rules for competition that you’ll want to brush up on beforehand, including the ever-important question of what to wear. For more info, take a peek at USEF’s rules for the jumper division.

How far from the track should you put a jump?

A good rule of thumb is no closer than 60’ from where the track leaves the end or side of the arena to the front of the jump.

How difficult is it to jump a horse?

Jumps are easy or difficult to jump depending on how the shape (as viewed from the side) interferes with the natural round flight of the horse over the jump (see figure 2). A well-filled ramped (front rail one hole lower than the back) oxer, not too wide, therefore, is the easiest type of jump (see figures 3A & B). It is not necessary to ramp oxers more than one hole. A vertical with a well-defined ground line placed slightly in front would be next on the scale going from easy to difficult (see figures 4A & B). Square (front and back rails the same height) wide oxers or high verticals are the most difficult, because of the adjustments the horse must make in his normal flight to clear an obstacle of this shape. Be sure not to ask the same question over and over again around the course, e.g. all lines or combinations are vertical to oxer. A single fence on its own, with a long approach, can be very difficult to jump, particularly if the equipment used makes it unappealing to the horse. While it is preferable to be imaginative in the use of equipment so all the jumps don’t look the same, avoid the use of “airy” or spooky jumps at the lower levels. Asking multiple questions at the same fence, e.g. a spooky or “airy” jump of maximum dimensions, should be limited to the upper levels, if at all (see figure 5).

What is the forgotten phase of show jumping?

Show jumping is often the “forgotten” phase in combined training: forgotten by riders, who may focus more on their dressage and/or cross-country skills, and forgotten by the event, when significant time/funds must be spent on the cross-country course.

How does frequency affect a course?

The frequency with which jumps are placed on the track and the types of turns used will affect the difficulty of the course , as well as the related distances along the way. Simple courses will have long straight lines and easy sweeping turns, with the jumps located at very regular intervals. More difficult tracks will include more complicated lines and turns, with the jumps sited at varying intervals.

What is a simple course?

Simple courses will be like a simple piece of music – slow rhythm with notes coming at regular intervals; Row, Row, Row Your Boat, for example.

How to make a puzzle in a course?

The course designer creates the puzzle. The competitors who ride over it are trying to solve it. As designer, you will use many tools to create your puzzle: 1. Track of the course; 2. Placement of the fences along the track; 3. Related distances (including not only those in combinations, and with more than two strides between, but also the number of related distances throughout the course and their location); 4. Dimension and type of jump; 5. Equipment used to build the jump; and 6. The inter-relationship of all of the above tools. There will also be several constants, which will have influence on how you use the above tools. They are: 1. Arena size and shape; 2. Type of terrain (flat, bumpy, hilly, etc.); 3. Type of going (deep, hard, muddy, slick, sand, grass, etc.); and 4. Speed at which the course must be ridden. Realize that how you choose to mix/match the above tools and combine them with the non-variables will determine how easy/difficult your course is.

Do horses jump in the in gate?

Be aware that horses will be distracted by the location of jumps close to the in-gate – either jumping toward, away, or adjacent to it, which will have an affect on the difficulty of a course. In particular, because of the added difficulty of cantering by the in-gate at the end of a course and jumping another fence, siting the last jump in this location is a design tool that should be reserved for preliminary and above. Be sure to consider all of your options, especially when designing courses for the lower levels.

What are the factors that determine the number of jumps in a show jumping course?

The type of show jumping class, the height of the jumps, and the technicality of the jumps play a huge role in the number of jumps in a showjumping course.

How many jumps are there in a show jumping track?

The average show jumping track contains 10 to 12 jumping obstacles per round that is usually followed by a shortened course of 6 jumps over time. The number of jumps will depend on the class, the heights of the jumps, and levels that are being ridden at a competition. Though it sounds complicated, lets break it down and get into more detail.

What is a vertical jump?

Uprights or vertical jumps consist of two or more poles stacked vertically on top of each other. This is not a very technical jump as it has no width to it and is a basic in every show jumping course.

How many poles are there in a cross jump?

Just as it sounds, a cross jump is made up of two poles crossing each other in the middle. Each pole is placed on a cup on one side, each whilst the other side stays on the ground. The cross is the most basic and widely used jump as it is quite easy to adjust the height, and it looks less intimidating to beginner jumpers.

How many jumps are there in a GP show?

There is one GP show per year at a selected venue. The rider and horse combinations will jump two courses. The first course will have 10 to 12 jumps; this will include one double combination (2 jumps) and one triple combination (3 jumps) as well as a water jump should the venue be able to provide one.

What is a wall jump?

Wall jumps provide a more technical aspect to the jumping course as it is built to look like a solid, big stone or brick wall. This challenges the horse and rider’s bravery. The blocks that the wall jump is made of is lightweight, and it falls apart easily as to not injure the horse or rider.

What is an oxyer jump?

Oxers are best described as two vertical jumps placed at a reasonable width apart to create a wider jump. Oxers can come in many different shapes and forms, and the width increases as the heights go up, thus making for a much more technical jump.

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Crossrail

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“Crossrails” are one of the easiest types of jumps and consist of two poles crossed over each other to form the shape of an “X”.
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Vertical

  • “Verticals” are made up of one rail between the standards placed parallel to the ground. Several rails may be used, but they will all be aligned vertically and stay parallel to the ground.
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Oxer

  • “Oxers” are essentially two verticals placed directly behind one another, to create a wider jump. The rails may be set at the same height (a “square oxer) or they may be uneven, or ramped. The width between the two verticals can also vary to create more difficulty.
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Striding

  • A “stride” is the amount of ground covered by a horse in one step at any gait, the length dependent upon the speed in which they’re traveling. On average, a horse’s canter stride is 12 feet. Distances between fences are set accordingly (in increments of 12’, with 6’ for takeoff and 6’ for landing).
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Line

  • A “line” of jumps is a term used to describe two or more fences that are usually set in a straight line, with a related distance. The course map will tell riders how many feet are between each fence, denoting the number of strides their horse should take. Sometimes riders further describe a line using the term “outside line” which denotes two jumps...
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Bending Line

  • To increase the difficulty, sometimes there may be a “bending line” in a course. This means that the line of jumps isn’t perfectly straight, but set on a slight curve. Sometimes, course designers set these lines in a specific number of strides, or will allow the rider to “ride off their eye,” and choose their own number of strides depending on the track they take to the second jump.
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Rollback

  • An even more difficult maneuver is a “rollback.” Essentially, this is a u-turn on horseback. To complete this, a horse and rider will jump going one direction and then do a half circle (approximately turning 180 degrees) so that they jump a second jump going back the way they came. These are infrequently used in the hunter classes, but are often found in the Equitation an…
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Time Allowed

  • In jumpers, each course has a time limit, with a certain number of seconds given to complete the course. This is referred to as the “time allowed.” Horses who go over this time are assessed penalties.
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Jump-Off

  • In the jumper ring, there are certain classes that will have a “jump-off.” If a horse and rider complete their initial course with no faults (meaning they didn’t knock any rails down and came in under the time allowed) they progress to the jump-off, which is a shorter course over the same jumps. Sometimes this happens immediately, without the horse and rider leaving the ring; other t…
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