GRAND PRIX SHOW JUMPING

The 'Grand Prix' is the highest level of show jumping. Run under FEI rules, the horse jumps a course of 10-16 obstacles. Grand Prix-level show jumping competitions include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games, the World Cup Series and the Nations Cup Series. It is designed to test the stamina, precision, power, and control of both horse and rider. The courses usually include tight twists and turns, very high and colorful fences designed to test those riding them. It takes a great amount of training and conditioning to get both horse and rider prepared for such an event.
Top shows can be found all around the country, where top horses and riders face off time and time again. Some of the major shows of the Grand Prix jumping season include the Wellington Winter Equiestrain Festival, the Devon Horse Show, in Pennsylvania, the Washington Horse Show, and the National Horse Show. What is the object of each competitor of these shows? The object of this sport is simply to ride the fastest course with the least amount of faults. The course is timed, and, if the horse and rider knock down a rail, faults are given. If multiple horses and riders have a 'clear round,' meaning they had no faults, they will show back in the jump off, against others who scored the same. The jump off will be judged similarly. This is no easy task, seeing as obstacles are raised for the jump off from their original towering height. Many horses have achieved incredible feats and added their name to a list of incredible Grand Prix jumpers. These include Abdullah, Baloubet du Rouet, Boomerang, Dobels Cento, Galoubet A, Grannis, Halla, Heartbreaker, Monopoly, Nimmerdor, Ramiro Z, Robinson, Snowball, Snowman, Stroller, Milton, Gem Twist, Royal Kaliber, and Big Ben. Up-and-coming Grand Prix horses who have already started making a name for themselves include Goldika, Roxana, Madison, Capitano, and Luara Chapot's Little Big Man. Truly, Grand Prix jumping is a demanding sport for both horse and rider, and tests the strength of each pair to the maximum.