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THE BRANDON SUN • WINTER FAIR • MARCH 2024
A horse and rider leap a fence during the Hunter Jumper Showjumping at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
SHOW JUMPING BASICS
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, education, 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.
Each 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.
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