Show Jumping

Show jumping is an exciting discipline to watch. Riders have to complete a set course over colourful jumps with the least amount of faults and within a set time limit. The jumps will fall down if the horse touches them (as opposed to cross country where the obstacles are solid and will not move when touched). Faults are incurred when knocking down a rail, refusing a jump or going over the time allowed.

In Pony Club riders can learn how to jump. Of course they start with poles on the ground and as soon as their seat is balanced enough they can move on to higher jumps.

During the year several Branches in the Alberta South Region host Schooling Shows for Show Jumping. This gives riders the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the rules for Show Jumping competitions in a friendly and supportive environment.

The Alberta South Region holds a Regional Show Jumping Championship each year. All branches are eligible to send members. Competitors ride two rounds with qualifying riders participating in a jump-off. Riders compete in divisions appropriate to their testing (riding) level both as individuals and as a team. Awards, ribbons and trophies are presented to individuals and teams who place.

The annual Show Jumping Championship is a highlight of the Pony Club season, giving members from various branches the opportunity to come together for exciting competition, camaraderie and fun.

Pony Club also encourages riders to do medal type jumper classes. These are judged jumper rounds that assess the rider's skill in executing the course rather than just looking at speed and knock down.

Similar to show jumping are the Hunter Shows. Though not one of the main focusses of Pony Club it is another way to show off your jumping skills. Riders are judged on their ability to be on the correct canter lead, have the correct number of strides in between the jumps, the obedience of the horse and the rider's seat.

For more information about Show Jumping in Alberta South Region, please contact our regional Show Jumping Chair,