Competing

Show Jumping

As a rule, two classes on one day are ample. Make sure you always walk the course. You have a very limited time to do this and it is not good enough to take a quick look from the ringside. Make sure you know the rules for the different types of classes. Be confident and alert by being aware of your horse and his requirements. Concentrate walking the entire track, as you will ride it, and run through it in your head. Note where you or your horse might have difficulty.

Cross Country

This consists of a dressage test and a round of show jumping followed by a course of cross-country fences. Hunter trials consist of courses containing natural obstacles that would be encounter on the hunt. This is considered the most pleasurable form of competition in equestrian sports.

Long Distance Riding

At top level it consists speed rides and various types of race rides taking as long as twenty four hours or more. The horses are checked at intervals throughout the course to ensure good health. At lower levels, sponsored pleasure rides of 8 – 32km with or without optional jumps and official training rides of 32 – 48km at 8 – 10 km/h are ideal for new comers to the sport. Horses should be at least 6 years old for the rides over 32km. You do not need access to special facilities, just access to bridleways and quiet roads.