Diving into Disciplines: Jumping

We are going to take a hop, skip, and a jump (literally) over to explore our next equestrian discipline: jumping! The thrill of watching horses jump has evolved over decades to become the popular sport we know today.

Before the late 18^th century there was little need to jump horses in England, but after the Inclosure Acts were passed in 1773, foxhunters needed horses that could jump these new fences put up between land. Spectators had a hard time following these horses as they jumped across many miles of countryside, so jumping naturally moved into an enclosed arena.

In its early years, show jumping looked very different than it does today. Military riders were the main competitors, and they used a deep (almost sitting) seat over the jump. Later, the forward seat was promoted - this is the style we know today, where the rider raises forward out of the saddle and closes their hips over the jump. Any horse and rider can participate in show jumping. With heights from small cross-rails to Grand Prix-level fences, there are a wide variety of competitions and classes suited to every level.

Aside from show jumping, there are many other types of jumping that horses and riders can participate in. Hunter competitions originated in North America and are fashioned after English foxhunting. Horses jump over natural-style obstacles rather than the bright, colorful jumps in the show jumping ring. There is no time restriction and the goal is for the rider to have a clear, calm, smooth round, with horses jumping in correct form over the jumps. Horse and rider pairs are judged over fences and under saddle. There are a variety of divisions for all levels, and even classes specifically for ponies.

Equitation classes, also popular in North America, judge riders on their form and style over fences and on the flat. Judges look for riders who are accurate yet stylish, and have complete harmony with their horse to make a round seem completely effortless. There are many levels of equitation, from small cross rails to 1.10 meters. Levels will also be split between junior and adult riders.

If you and your horse are more comfortable jumping outside the arena, hunter paces are a low-key event derived from foxhunting. Horse and rider pairs compete on a small team that rides over a set course. Jumps and obstacles are placed along the trail, but using them is optional. These are enjoyable events with a relaxed atmosphere.

Breyer has immortalized many jumping horses, from pony hunter champions to Grand Prix stars. One such champion was William Steinkraus’s mount Snowbound. Created as a 1996 limited edition on the Jumping Horse mold (#300), sculpted by Chris Hess, this Thoroughbred gelding helped America capture its first individual equestrian gold medal at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

Who is your favorite show jumper, hunter, or other jumper Breyer has immortalized over the years?