I am brand new to showing jumpers. I have shown some hunter classes many years ago, but never jumpers. So…what do I need to know? How do the classes actually work? Are you required to do a courtesy circle?
I’ve had someone check to make sure my saddle and pad are acceptable, but forgot to check about my bridle. I have a figure 8 bridle with snaffle - is that okay to show in? From my understanding, almost anything goes in jumper world but I just want to check!
Basically, I just want to know the ins and outs of how the show will go. Are there any new terms or words that I need to know? Special rules? Also - does your time start when the bell goes off? Are there any associations you recommend me joining? Help me please!!!
Your figure 8 will be fine.
No courtesy circle required.
Pay attention to where the timer lines are. DO NOT CROSS THE START TIMER LINE BEFORE THE BELL!
Once you hear the bell, you have 45 seconds to begin your course by crossing the start timer line. If you don’t cross the line before the 45 seconds is up the timer just starts counting and you risk time faults depending on the time allowed and how quick you are once you finally get going.
Depending on the show they will expect you to halt and salute the judge before commencing your round. Confirm with your coach and/or ingate person to see if this is required for the class you are doing.
Make sure to cross the finish timers as well. In most cases its straight ahead a few strides after the last jump. Not generally a concern as to whether or not you’ll get through them. But if you are trying to be quick don’t let up on your pace until you are through them after the last jump.
Know your class types. Are you doing a speed? match the clock? Immediate jumpoff? Come-back jumpoff? etc. I’m not the best person to tell you all the types of classes and their official names (ie. Table A or whatever). Again this is where your coach can help you. You’ll want to know what type of class it is before you walk it so you can plan your ride accordingly.
What else? 4 faults for each jump down. 4 faults per refusal. 2 refusals and you’re eliminated. Fall off and you’re eliminated. Time faults start accumulating as soon as you exceed the time allowed.
Alright I’m done. Someone else can add in more specifics 
2 Likes
How it works: Stay within the time and leave the rails up. Try not to make the audience gasp in the process. 
There may well be a lot of new terms or conventions that you aren’t used to, depending on what else you’ve been doing and what kind of hunter shows you’ve been to. First off, read the USEF jumper rules: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/zDZXGvqBOTk . Then, go watch the jumper rounds at a show representative of where you’d like to compete. You will likely find it helpful to read the rules again after seeing them in action. The most confusing thing will probably be the tables - each class has a table and section that dictates how the class is scored and what you do as a competitor. These are outlined in the rule book and will be listed in the show’s class specifications.
Watching and reading the rules will help answer some of your more nuanced questions about what the bell/buzzer means (it means different things depending on when it sounds, but it’ll make sense once you know how the class works), special rules (there are a lot but most are easy to follow), and tack (there are some rules there but figure 8 and snaffle should be fine).
For associations, USEF is a good source of information and you may be required to either join or pay a non-member fee, depending on the show you’re going to. I believe they have a non-competing membership that will give you access to a lot of their educational videos as well as footage of past shows, which may be helpful in seeing how different classes run (though note that a Grand Prix will run differently than the smaller heights.) There are probably local associations that may require the same (join or pay fee at the show) and may allow you to accumulate year end points.
Welcome to the jumper world!
1 Like
Different jumper classes are assessed differently. Like I grew up doing hunters, some eventing, and then dawdled in the world of dressage. So I was basically unaware that there were actually different types of jumper classes, beyond one round and one jump off. I mean like I was familiar with Gambler’s choice, and Puissance, but not that some classes are “Table A against the clock”, or “Timed first jump off” or “two phases”. When you literally go from a dressage barn one day to the largest show jumping tour in Europe the next, that ignorance can be slightly embarrassing. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. If I had, I would have researched.
Here’s probably the best resource for your needs. Just read through a few times.
https://files.usef.org/assets/fwKw-7wsaLI/18-jp.pdf
And then one day you can learn to love against the clock and two phase classes and loath jump off classes unless you really think you’re going to make money :lol::lol::lol::lol:
1 Like
Where will you be showing? The USE(F) rulebook is a great place to start. Most local shows operate, though sometimes loosely, within those rules. If you are going to non USE Rated schooling shows rated by the OHJA (Ohio Hunter Jumper Ass.) in the SW part of the state or OPHA (Ohio Professional Horsemans Ass…I think?) up North or those of neighboring states, you can find their rules online. These shows offer lower height classes, primarily those below 3’3". There are some course and fence type limitations that vary from region to region and Club to Club since there are no nationally regulated rules from USE for such low heights. Those will be explained in their rule books and are usually on the prize list when you fill out your entries.
What these divisions are called can vary too. What a local club might call " Children’s Jumpers" and runs at at 2’6" is not the same as the USE class of the same name that runs from 3’ to 3’6" and a Junior Jumper might be anybody in that 2’6" Jumper class at a local but it’s a solid 4’ at a nationally rated show.
So make sure you are clear on what’s going to happen at the specific show you are going to. It’s also a really good idea to go watch a show organized by the same group as the show you are planning to attend. Get familiar with how the class runs and the type jumps they have ( bright striped poles, solid faux walls, roll tops, coops etc.) so you and your horse can properly prepare and not be surprised and frustrated, which wastes money.
Watching these classes can also help you learn to memorize your courses and jump offs (sometimes you stay in if you are clear and go right to your JO without leaving to learn your JO course) as well as those often violated rules you didn’t know about that get you DQd. Like not waiting for the whistle, missing the timers or crossing your track. Some smaller shows let these slide a little but you really should learn to do it correctly as most better shows and all USE Rateds will nail you for those.
Learn and observe as much as you can before spending the money.
2 Likes
Ditto the timer awareness. At a show this spring, I watched two folks get DQ’d from the jumpoff phase for not hitting the timers to start the clock for it. When you walk your courses, that’s something to take into account, too, as much as knowing where you want to make your turns. Time starts when you cross the timers, NOT when the bell rings; you have a certain amount of time from the time the bell rings to cross them, but it doesn’t matter whether you take 5 seconds or 15 to do it, that won’t effect the time of your round, so long as you’re within the 45 seconds after the bell.
Most of the smaller stuff around here usually runs a Table 2, 2B and 2C class. I like to remember that as “B” is bell, where you pull up between phases, catch your breath, and wait for a bell/tone/buzzer/etc to start the jumpoff portion, though you don’t leave the ring. “C” is continue, or sometimes called “power and speed” where you continue on one longer course that’s usually divided into a power phase to start with just a time allowed and then a second speed phase after you pass through a second set of timers. I’ve occasionally seen Table 2 Section 1 classes, which is usually called Timed First Round, and faults are all converted to time; it’s fun to ride but it leads to a lot of really scary courses at levels where speed should really, really not be a factor.
Attire and tack are usually much more relaxed, though I usually use the tack I use for Eq classes, just with a conservative square pad rather than a fitted one under my saddle. No courtesy circle, and the only time I’ve ever been expected to salute the judge was at some random, unrecognized schooling show where I was corrected for not doing it. For most shows, they’re trying to keep things moving along, and that is an unnecessary waste of time. At rated shows, I’ve only seen it done before bigger GPs, and then it’s usually a subtle nod, not a very noticeable dressage salute.
Depending on where you are and what you want to do, it might be worth joining your local/state horse show association. Our state HSA here has jumper classes you can earn points in starting at the 2’6 level, and a few of the show series have series-end points for classes starting even lower, so if you want to join something like that to earn year-end points it might be worthwhile. If you want to do rated showing, you’ll want to join USE and the USHJA, or you’ll end up paying a lot in non-member fees.
Are you not working with a trainer? If you are, tag along maybe to a show and watch! Even if you are not with a trainer, I suggest you go to a show and just watch the classes. You will learn quite a bit. This in addition to what the previous posters have mentioned should help!
3 Likes
Jumpers are so much fun. I wish I hadn’t waited so many years to do it!
I’m fairly conservative tack and attire-wise, but enjoy being able to wear a bit of bling. I stick with clean, white jumper pads, but many other people ride in colored ones - usually a solid color vs. any sort of patterns. I have a cool embroidered Irish browband that I love. Bonnets for the horses are very common and some are quite beautiful. In non-division classes, I rarely wear a jacket. In rated division classes when it’s not a Stake or Classic, when it’s hot I may skip the jacket if I see even one other person go in the ring without! :lol: If it’s cold, I prefer to wear a warm fleece jacket. I’m only doing Low Adults and so far I haven’t seen a judge care. And my trainer doesn’t care.
A great class type for starting out are the “clear round/blue ribbon” classes. Some shows list them as Training Jumper classes. If you are clear and within the time allowed, you get a blue ribbon! They are great for green riders and horses because there is no need for extreme speed or crazy turns. You just ride a smart, efficient track at a reasonable pace - practice making more technical turns as you progress. Once you are confidently doing this, then move into the other formats where time is a factor. At lower heights, you will see rides that make your heart stop. I can’t/won’t ride that way.
Never heard of having to salute the judge at a H/J show. Just watched a $130k 3* GP last weekend and there was no saluting. Well, we did bow and kneel to George…because George.
Be safe and have fun!!!
You’ll generally only notice riders kind of stop somewhere, look to the judging booth, and give a brief nod. If you aren’t looking for it, you would probably never notice it happened.
2 Likes
Interesting! Is it a FEI thing only or USEF also?
I found this for FEI: [LIST=1]
OP here probably does not need to be worried about saluting judges anyway…not done unless you are at the elite level in very formal situations, like a GP. Just worry about getting through the timers and jumping the fences in tne right order.
1 Like
No, it’s a bit more than that in that they are the representatives of the FEI at an event and are the ultimate arbiter of whether everything is being done correctly, both by the show and by competitors. So they make sure literally that the grounds are fit for competition, that the courses meet FEI guidelines, that horses are treated according to FEI standards. For instance if a steward has an issue like spur marks/blood, the ground jury makes the ultimate decision. Like during last summer’s Olympics, the ground jury was quite active, eliminating an unusually large number of riders for…stuff
http://horsenetwork.com/2016/08/four-horse-disqualified-show-jumping-two-days/
Agreed. Sorry for the tangent. A post up-thread advised the OP to salute the judge, which is something that I have not observed at local and rated USEF shows. ladyj79’s response got me curious.
I’ve never seen it bellow very elite levels in USE rated classes or FEI ((International) controlled shows either. Show a few non USE rated Jumpers around 3’3"- forced by trainer as cross training and/or to fill a class on a sale horse, never saluted judge or saw anybody else do it and expect judges I know to fall off the stand if anybody saluted them at schooling shows or lower level classes at rateds. Time is tight and it’s up there with courtesy circles as a time waster in Jumpers. Bit pretentious at lower levels as well. As are hundreds of dollars worth of matching ear bonnets, monogrammed saddle pads and polos in 2’6" schooling show Jumpers…but that’s off topic and JMO. YMMV.
KISS and aporopriate for the level of competition. Go watch, do what most of those in your intended division do. It’s not Hunters or Eq, only leaving the rails up and making the time count. The judge has no input other then verifying time, score, legality of equipment and correct completion of the posted course.
1 Like
I agree with findeight - it’s unlikely you’ll have to worry about saluting anyone in a regular jumper class. Typically it’s required in a big money class if the sponsors of the class you’re riding in are present. This is normally only something you’d deal with in a class offering >$10k (though maybe a lower threshold at a smaller show?). And if a salute is required, the back gate person would likely remind you before you walk into the ring. When they’re serious about it, they make sure everyone knows with multiple announcements and reminders to each rider!
We often have to salute (and these are not $$ classes LOL) but rather the shows have “sponsors” attending! But, they will always let you know this class is saluting and where to give your salute towards…and they’ll usually have the ingate person remind you right before you go in!
Something else to be aware of is if your show does pre-loading to keep things moving. Usually at some appointed jump towards the end of the course, you can, as the next competitor, walk into the arena to get acclimated before the competitor before you has finished.
For this to work, you need to be doubly vigilant about where the rider is going for their course and where the timers are.You definitely do not want to be breaking that timer accidentally when the rider is still doing their course or get in their way. I found the first few times pre-loading to be a little stressful, but since my horse can be a little surprised by jumps as they come up, it’s a nice opportunity to show him a jump that’s on a blind corner or go into any corners he might be spooky in.
A great thing to do at home is to practice pre-loading in a group lesson. Decide what the course is and walk in to the ring at the appointed jump (maybe halfway through?) and practice staying out of their way and the pretend timers at the last jump.
Worst case scenario, you halt somewhere you know is out of the way and take the opportunity for a deep breath and encouraging pat for your horse before the buzzer. I did the hunters very competitive for a few years and made the leap recently to jumpers and have not looked back. 
Oh, and another thing, in the warmup ring, be AWARE. Those rings can be dangerous. Don’t cut in front of or stop in front of a jump. Seems self evident, but you’d be amazed at how many folks walk in front of jumps, both on horses and on foot. Always keep your eyes up. 
1 Like
In all of our classes, the first rider in to the arena will salute the judge to open the class.
I don’t think this OP is going to be doing Rated Jumpers. Hopefully, since she’s doing it for the very first time, she’s going to be at a smaller schooling show with an appropriate course and should do what she sees others doing.
