HOW JUMPING BASICS S
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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • MARCH 2025
A young woman and her steed make a successful jump in the Metre 20 Jumper class competition in the Westoba Place Arena, during the opening day of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair last year. (Photos by Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun)
E ach night of the fair features some of Canada’s top equestrian show jumping. Riders and horses from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and the Midwest United States will be vying for a share of over $140,000 in cash prizes. Judged on their performance, rid- ers and horses must complete a set pattern of jumps. Show jumping is the only sport where two living be- ings compete together: a horse and a rider. THE HORSE The horses are the product of long and patient work, studying genetics and hours of training. The young horse begins their sporting life at three with light schooling and usu- ally takes part in their first competi-
tions at four. A good horse starts to be successful at eight, and is at the peak of their career from 10 to 15, but can keep performing until the age of 20. THE RIDER The rider is the pilot who usually begins to ride at a young age. The rider is the brain of this “athlete combination”. The rider must have skill and talent: an eye, and a sense of balance not to disturb the horse. He/she is the one who “moulds” the horse, requiring years of work, edu- cation, dressage, and patience. On the course, the eye of the rider and their ability to make quick deci- sions are as important as the skill of the horse, his physical aptitude, his carefulness, etc. ARENA The arena is the stage. Westman
Place has a capacity of more than 5,000 spectators and during show time; it is filled with people, TV cam- eras and, in the arena, the obstacles surrounded by decorations (flowers etc.) which may distract the horses. COMBINATION A combination is a series of two or three fences separated by one or two cantering strides. If the horse re- fuses one fence of the combination or runs out between two elements, the pair has to jump all two or three fences again. A combination is con- sidered as one obstacle (with two or three difficulties). COURSE-DESIGNER Sets the course and obstacles ac- cording to class specifications that will test the horse and rider as well as provide entertainment for the au- dience.
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