THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • MARCH 2022
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The basics of Show Jumping Each night of the fair features some of Canada’s top equestrian show jumping. Riders and horses from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alber- combination or runs out between two elements, the pair has to jump all two or three fences again. A combi- nation is considered as one obstacle (with two or three difficulties).
lot that usually begins to ride at a young age. The rider is the brain of this “athlete combination”. The rid- er must have skill and talent: an eye, and a sense of balance not to disturb the horse. He/she is the one who “molds” the horse, requiring years of work, education, dressage, and pa- tience. On the course, the eye of the rider and his ability to make quick decisions are as important as the skill of the horse, his physical apti- tude, his carefulness, etc. Arena: The arena is the stage. West- man Place has a capacity of more than 5,000 spectators and during show time; it is filled with people, TV cameras and, in the arena, the ob- stacles surrounded by decorations (flowers etc.) which may distract the horses. Combination: A combination is a series of two or three fences sepa- rated by one or two cantering strides. If the horse refuses one fence of the
Course-designer: The designer must consider the level of the com- petitors and of the class, the table, and its relevant rules. The goal is to adjust the level of difficulty to favour the best riders while allowing all com- petitors to complete the course safely. Elimination: After a second stop (refusal) or a fall of the horse and/or the rider, the pair is eliminated. Jump-off: It’s the “tie-break”: the jump-off takes place at the end of some Table A classes to decide be- tween the competitors placed equally after the main round. The jump-off course is shorter and different to that of the first round and is against the clock.
ta, 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 prod- uct of long and patient work, studying genetics and hours of training. The young horse begins his sporting life at three with light schooling and usual- ly takes part in his first competitions at four. A good horse starts to be suc- cessful at eight, and is at the peak of his career from 10 to 15, but can keep performing until the age of 20. The Rider: The rider is the pi-
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