Can some one please tell me what hunter jumper is and the difference between all types of jumping?

Question

my friend has given me screwed up knolege about all of it and now i'm confused.

1.what types of jumping styles and shows are there.example.hunter,jumper,cross country,three day eventing etc.

2.what are the rules in all of them like is there an online rule book for conformation,posture,form,wardrobe for horse and rider.

the reason i am asking this is my freind thinks because she can jump that she knows it all well i am supposed to start english jumping lessons in a few days and i havent chose what style like hunter or jumper.

i was thinking mabye learning what three day eventing was or doing jumper instead of hunter because jumper is a race against time and i thought hunter was more how the rider and horse work together but my freind said that it's alot like cross country and is more dangerous than jumper and lots of people have been injured and died now i'm confused please help.

Answer 1

hunter-jumper, jumping, it's all the same-the position generally does not change. The attire changes. I don't know the specifications for that (haven't shown in anything in yeaaars) but I'm sure someone can fill you in.

I would take hunter-jumper lessons as a start.

Eventing is made up of three things; you do cross country jumping, stadium jumping, and dressage (which is a very different style of riding than hunter-jumper) AKA three different types of competition (cross country, stadium, dressage), one a day=3 day eventing.

Cross country IS hunter jumper. It is timed, and is based on the idea of jumping over things that you would find out durring a hunt-wood, water, etc etc.

Stadium jumping IS hunter-jumper. It focuses more on form and the way you communicate with your horse rather than how quickly you can get over all of the jumps.

Dressage is different from both-it's still english, but your position is not nearly as forward as it is whlie you are riding to jump, and your contact with the horse is different as well. All flatwork, based on your form, position, your horse's form, your contact with the horse, etc.

So unless you're willing to learn dressage as well, just focus on basic hunt seat right now. You need to learn proper form, position, and everything else before you can start competeing or even start going over jumps. If you really want to get into eventing, a good place to start learning is dressage-but it is all flatwork, no jumping. It will teach you the basics of riding and form, but it IS different than hunter, which is more forward in position.

Answer 2

Hunters-The jumps are less scary to the horses and juding is based on you and your horses form over the jumps. Classes start and 18inches and go up to classes with 4 foot jumps. (you choose what class therefore which hight you jump)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYHa0f6T2... **The first 1min 20 secondsis all hunter

Jumpers-The jumps are brighter in color and more scary to the horse and rider. It is judged on how fast you go over the course and pentayles. Pentalys are when you horse knocks down a rail (4 points) and every second you go over the time allowed. (1point per second gone over) Classes start at 2 feet and can go up to classes with 4 feet (you choose what class therefore which hight you jump)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx2yTiA9E...

Cross Country-"Natural" jumps like logs, ditches, water ect. Most scary for horse and rider. It is timed and you get pentalies for falling and going over the time limit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=463PhvZuz...

Three Day Eventing-Combines Cross Country, Show Jumping, and Dressage

Showjumping-It is just like Jumpers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAY9xvJEy...

Dressage is dancing on horse back and is all flat work. Judging is basiced on how your horse responds to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQgTiqhP...

If you are just starting out with jumping go with Hunters because it will teach you the basics of jumping. No matter what one you do you need a good strong postion or there is a better chance of you geting hurt.

Answer 3

eventing is dressage, x-country, and show jumping

in hunters, you and your horse are judged on different things, depends on the class. usually your horses way of going, movement, and your form

jumpers are strictly timed. no judges opinion.

Answer 4

You've already gotten some good answer on what the different styles are. I'll take just a moment to pick at something Animalluver said. Cross-country jumps are usually very inviting for the horse, and its probably the least scary for them. They understand the concept of jumping over natural obstacles. But it is definitely the most scary for the rider.

I recommend that you start out in hunters. In hunters you will learn all about position, counting strides, getting your horse to the jump, and keeping an even rhythm. Once you have all those skills, you can do anything you want. You'll be ready for the speed and technicality of the jumpers, or the bravery of cross country.

Have fun!