However, like many sports, the skill of the rider and the power of the horse make it look a lot easier than it is.
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History
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Horse jumping came into fashion in the 18th century with the start of foxhunting. When English properties were divided by boundaries such as fences, hedges and streams, horses were needed that could not only cover the distances but also clear the obstacles.
By 1900, jumping competitions--called lepping--were held across France and England, with men and women participating. The first major jumping competition was held in 1907, but there were few actual rules. Rules were established in 1925 and took into account not only the ability of the horse and rider to clear the jump, but the placement of the hooves, how the bar of a jump is knocked down, and whether the horse landed in the water of a jump. Later additions were higher penalties for a horse refusing a jump or failure to complete a course in allotted time.
Types of Jumps
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Across any jumping course, there are often a number of different types of jumps, some up to 6.5 feet high.
The cross-pole is not often seen at show, but is more common in the training arena. Two crossed poles make up the jump, with the sides being higher than the center.
The oxer is two vertical jumps and can be set at a variety of distances. There are several kinds of oxers; in an ascending oxer, the second vertical jump is higher, while in the descending oxer, the closer vertical is higher. In a square oxer, both vertical jumps are the same height, and in a swedish oxer, the poles are slanted to form an X.
The triple bar is three vertical jumps of varying heights--in the hogsback, the center pole is the highest.
The vertical jump is a simple jump, with only height to clear.
The wall is a jump that is constructed of a lightweight material to look like a brick or cement wall, testing the horse's confidence at approach.
Open ditches are wide expanses of water.
In a combination, there are a series of jumps in close proximity. There are between one and three strides between each element of a combination, and rules state that if a horse refuses any one jump in the combination, the entire sequence must be repeated.
Equipment for the Horse and Rider
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Most jumping saddles are a form of English saddle that is flatter than those used for other events such as dressage. Saddle pads are usually white, and many horses are fitted with pads that protect them against the pressure and possible scraping from shoed front hooves that are tucked tightly to their stomachs. While there are few guidelines about the types and severity of bits that may be used, boots and leg wraps are common on almost all horses that participate in jumping. Breastcollars are also common and help keep the saddle in place.
Riders are always required to wear approved helmets and are usually dressed in formal attire including tall, black boots, breeches (usually white or tan), and a dark-colored coat that may be optional in hot weather.
Horse Breeds
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While there is nothing that says that a taller or larger horse will be a more successful jumper, most jumpers are more than 16 hands tall and have warmblood or thoroughbred blood. (Ponies have been known not only to compete in show jumping, but to continue on to the Olympic level with success.) Temperament and physical ability are important in a successful jumping horse; a jumper should not be intimidated by large, potentially frightening jumps, and should have the endurance and reflexes to make split-second changes in course and quick movements.
Dangers to the Horse
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In addition to the dangers of an on-course accident, including falling, misjudging a jump or twisting ligaments, there is also the chance of long-term damage done to a horse that is not properly cared for.
Suspensory ligaments that run the length of the horse's legs are responsible for holding the fetlocks in position. Overextending these ligaments when they are supporting the weight of the horse and rider can be dangerous and can result in permanent damage to the legs that will make even walking without a rider painful for the horse. Proper equipment such as tendon boots and/or wraps should always be used, and after every course whether in competition or training, the horse should be warmed up and cooled down properly, as well as examined for any signs of swelling, tenderness and lameness.
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