Wondering about jumping courses...?

Question

I know that people set up the jumps in the arena and have thier horses jump it. But here's the question: Can you jumpers (or have been to a horse jumping show but not jumped) jump the arena in your own way or do they have to tell you which direction to go?

I know this question is a lil confusing. But if you know it in a different way, you can explain it. I'm new to jumping and have seen jumping videos. Plz help! Im just a little confused.

Answer 1

Almost always, there is a course that you must follow.  There are a few exceptions.

1- Gamblers choice - this is a class where each fence has a point value. You may jump them in whatever configuration you want, and I believe you may jump each fence twice.

video of someone doing gamblers choice - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C0edRd6S...

2- Showriders  - you get to make up your own course of at least 8 fences. Each fence can only be jumped once, though they may be jumped in either direction. Sorry, no video of that one

Those are the only two I know of, but I'm sure someone will be happy to correct me if I'm wrong : )

Answer 2

There is a pattern you must follow or are disqualified.They show you the pattern before you go out and you must memorize it I have never jumped but know this from watching.

Answer 3

you must go around the course according to what they tell you... if you don't they will announce that you are off course and (at the shows i've been to) will dismiss you from the ring

edit: you'll get a paper similar to this http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/211/p...

Answer 4

well, when you go to shows you have to memorize the course

ummm...but when you are just at home you can jump however you want.  Just make sure the jumps are far enough apart.

Answer 5

I do jumper-hunter, and there's several jumps and we have to memorize two courses. They tell which pattern to do first and then you do that and then the next. All showing jumping there's a pattern you have to memorize and you jump that way.

Answer 6

The jumps and the order in which they are to be jumped are determined by the show chair.  If you jump them out of order, you are disqualified.  The course is usually posted near the entry booth, and the order shown on that piece of paper.

Answer 7

In a show, you must jump in the order & direction that they post for the course.

If you are jumping around at home, you can jump most jumps in either direction.