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Everything you need to know about British Showjumping

By Jade | May 24, 2022
  1. Horse Management
  2. Training Tips

Competitions in equestrian sport are as old as the sports themselves, with early mounted competitions hosted at Olympia since 7th Century BCE. British history in particular is full of references to jousting tournaments, mounted combat, and racing. Records show that in 1869, an Agricultural Hall Society Horse Show hosted one of the earliest forms of jumping competition! Thus the sport of competitive showjumping became increasingly popular.

The early 1900s saw the first inclusion of “showjumping” in the Olympics. In 1921, the formation of the BSJA (British Showjumping Association, now known as just British Showjumping) came about, inspiring thousands of horse owners to train and compete their horses in organised showjumping.

But, who are British Showjumping, and what does it mean to be a member or to compete at British Showjumping level? Competing with your horse is a great way of working up levels and setting goals and achieving tangible results. Not everyone wants to compete, but for those of you who do sometimes it can be a bit confusing to even know where to start!

Luckily, The Saddle Bank are here to help you!

If by the end of the article you have any questions about saddles or accessories why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01773 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.

Who are British Showjumping?

British Showjumping, formally the BSJA, is the name given to the governing body which has authority over showjumping in Britain. British Showjumping have overarching jurisdiction on the rules to which affiliated competitions must adhere. Affiliated competition is different from unaffiliated. Through affiliating, a horse and rider combination are able to work their way up the ranks. You can do so by accumulating points at competitions. With unaffiliated competitions, there may not be such a formal structure and are more for non-serious competitors.

British Showjumping have a panel of experts which develop rules for equipment, venues, courses, conduct - everything to do with competitions. These rules are constantly being reviews and improved upon, to stay up to date with the latest developments in equine science and welfare. The centralised governance over the sport provides a fair way of regulating competitions.

Affiliated competitions are structured in such a way to test the technical abilities of the horse and rider combinations, as well as being a great challenge to take part in. However far you are into your showjumping journey, different levels of competition classes are set, so that combinations of a similar skill level can compete against each other, until they are ready to move up a level.

A centralised governing body is crucial to equestrian sport, to oversee and regulate competitions fairly, as well as for the welfare and benefit of the horses. British Showjumping is an organisation also provide Showjumping representatives for team Great Britain at the Olympics.

British Showjumping

What are the Different Classes that British Showjumping can Provide?

Once you are a member of British Showjumping, you can compete in certain classes within the national membership competition structure. With fences designed for a specific ability of rider in each class respectively; to enable fair competition. This is monitored using the points system.

The four most common BS Classes start at the “smallest” (which start at 90cm) fences in British Novice, with the next level up being Discovery (where the jumps start at 1m), then Newcomers (where the jumps start at 1m 10) and Foxhunter (jumps start at 1m 20).

The start height means that fences will be no bigger than this height for the first round of competitions, however, once you earn your place in a qualifier competition (the second round of competing), you can expect the jump heights to increase respectively for each class.

British Novice is very much aimed at novice horses who have not yet accumulated over 125 points, whereas Discovery is aimed at horses with less than 225 points, being the next step up in competitions. The name Newcomers might be a bit misleading as it is not necessarily aimed at those new to the sport, the class is aimed at horses not to have won over 375 points. British Novice and Discovery class categories offer the opportunity to be qualifiers for British Showjumping National Championships; which are held for qualifying competitors annually. For the talented individuals qualifying at Newcomer and Foxhunter level, the final is held at the Horse of the Year show.

Championships

There are various other series’ of competitions within British Showjumping. Some offer championships for horse age categories (e.g. the 6-Year Old Final). Detailed calendars of events for the year ahead are available directly from British Showjumping.

Affiliated horses will have a ‘Grade’, which will be one of three categories depending on how many points they have accumulated - Grade C (<999 points), Grade B (1,000 - 1,999 points), Grade A (>2,000 points). 

For each grade, there are qualifying competitions and championships respectively, there’s really no end to the achievements you can earn through British Showjumping. There are plenty of opportunities to qualify for prestigious events throughout the year. 

Showjumping Pathways

British Showjumping are keen to encourage and enable talented horses and riders coming up through the ranks using supporting pathways. There are various pathways which riders can look to partake in to suit their needs and abilities best. For competitors taking their first steps into the big wide world of sport, British Showjumping are keen to support engagement. They offer a wealth of guidance eon the ‘journey into equestrian sport’. With their entry-level pathway, before riders feel they can progress on to one of the more advanced pathways. 

The Performance Pathway, for example; is structured in such a way to support up-and-coming competitors into developing strong sporting habits, while promoting mental and physical health and wellbeing. Whilst the Podium Pathway is aimed at supporting the very best talent on their journey to represent their country and their sport in the highest levels of international competition, such as the Olympics.

Membership

British Showjumping offer different types of memberships, including specific memberships for clubs and para-riders to partake in classes best suited to the riders’ individual situations. Perhaps you would like to dip your toe in the water and find out what the competitions are all about for yourself? 

What if you want to participate at a show without committing to a full membership? You can do this by competing on a day ticket. You must purchase your day ticket from British Showjumping for each class you wish to enter, however you will not be eligible for prize money for placing if you are not a full member.

What Saddles are Often Used in Showjumping?

Are you looking to partake in British Showjumping competitions? Then it is important to consider the tack and equipment which is allowed by the governing body. Attending a show with incorrect tack or equipment could mean that you are asked to leave and/or disqualified from the competition without even having the chance to compete. 

It’s best to make sure you are complying with the rules. We recommend that you check the handbook for full guidance on British Showjumping legal tack. English or Continental Saddles are mandatory for British Showjumping competitions as per rule 102.2.

The Saddle Bank recommend investing in a well-fitting showjumping saddle for British Showjumping competitions. While you may find you are able to train at lower levels in a general/all-purpose saddle, as you climb the competition ladder, jump saddles are best suited for optimum horse and rider comfort and ability.

The forward knee rolls on jump saddles allows the rider to maintain a good position throughout the course, whilst supporting the rider in the jumping position over the fences. Designed with a shallower seat and lower cantle, jump saddles allow the rider to raise themselves into the jumping position with ease. Often made to be very lightweight, so as not to add extra strain to the horse while leaping over fences. There are a huge variety of jump saddles available to suit most horse shapes and rider budgets, check out our Which Jump Saddle is Right for You? Blog here! 

The Saddle Bank recommends pairing your saddle with a stud girth for added safety and comfort for your horse. Not sure what a stud girth is? Read all about them here.

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