When it comes to horse jumping, every rider has different needs. Some people like to jump in a ring at a controlled height so they can practice their skills and build confidence. Then there are others who are more interested in competitive events where the jumps are set at a higher level to test the rider’s ability and speed. The level of challenge for each discipline also varies depending on the type of surface and the number of jumps used. The different jumps in horse jumping are outlined below:
Standard Jumping Grading System
When you look at the list of jump heights for horse jumps, you might be surprised to see that there is no universal standard for grading the jumps. While there are general guidelines for what makes a jump of a certain height challenging, each organization has its own grading system. However, there are some general principles that apply to most of them:The horse jumping grading system is based on the rider’s experience. The more jumps you finish at the top of the list, the more challenging the course becomes. The grading system for rider experience is used to determine how many points you get at each height. The points are added up after each jump and then added together to determine your finishing place.
Wide Open Jumping Grading System
The wide open jumping grading system is used for timed and distance jumping. The jumps in this category are often set in open fields or large pastures where they are visible for a long distance. The grading system used for this discipline is based on the height of the jump alone. The height of the jump is not adjusted for the rider’s experience level. This means that the more challenging jumps are set at a lower height than jumps that are easier to clear. The grading system for wide open jumping is also used for some other disciplines, such as equestrian vaulting. The jumps in this category are often set at a height of 2.5 meters or more.
Equivalent Jumping Grading System
The equivalent jumping grading system is used for certain disciplines that combine jumping and general performance. The jumps in this category may be set at a high level for some disciplines, but can be set lower for others. For example, a course that uses a double, open crossrail and vertical fences could be a combination of basic jumping and performance tests. The equivalent grading system is based on the height of the jump, the type of material the jump is made from and whether the jump is in the air or on the ground. The grading system for equivalent jumping is used by some organizations that have a combined jumping and general performance test.
International Jumping Grading System
The international jumping grading system is used in the show jumping discipline. The height of the jumps is determined by the height of the horse. The number of crossrails and the height of the verticals are set according to the horse’s level of training. The grading system for the international jumping system is often based on the rider’s experience. The more difficult jumps are set at a higher level to test the rider’s ability.
Downward-Facing Jumping Grading System
The downward-facing jumping grading system is used for certain disciplines that combine jumping and general performance. The jumps in this category may be set at a high level for some disciplines, but can be set lower for others. For example, a course that uses a double, open crossrail, verticals and a table could be a combination of jumping and performance tests. The grading system for downward-facing jumping is based on the height of the jump, the type of material the jump is made from and whether the jump is in the air or on the ground. The grading system for downward-facing jumping is used by some organizations that have a combined jumping and general performance test.
Conclusion
Horse jumping is a very popular equestrian sport that tests the rider’s ability, speed and control. The different jumping disciplines are designed to challenge the rider with different heights of jumps and different styles of riding. The rider’s experience level is the main factor that determines the level of challenge of the course for each discipline.