Jumper Divisions

In the past, the jumper divisions were almost as confusing as the hunter divisions. Names like Section 1 Jumpers and Low Preliminary Jumpers didn't really mean much unless you had a description to go with them. Nowadays, the jumper divisions have been renamed to incorporate the jump heights into the names so that navigating the various divisions in Canada is, for the most part, very straightforward.

In the US, the junior/amateur divisions are often less clearly defined and the height might vary depending on the competition. Divisions listed as Children's or Adult will be lower than a Junior or Amateur division, with modifiers such as High, Medium, Low or Modified used to further define the heights. Check the USEF rulebook for possible height ranges.

Jumper divisions are either open or restricted to juniors and/or amateurs. Amateurs require an amateur card. Open divisions are open to anyone, professional or not, except in the case of puissance, grand prix or derby classes in which the jump height exceeds 1.50m (juniors are not allowed but amateurs and professionals may compete).

Schooling Jumper - This is a schooling class, set at a height specified in the prize list. The course will generally be simple and inviting while some difficult jumps such as water jumps or banks may be available as options. Clear rounds will often receive a small ribbon.

Pony Jumpers - 0.90m (3'), Open to all ponies but the course (set for large ponies) will not be altered for medium or small ponies. Junior "A" riders may show large ponies only. Ponies may not cross-enter into jumper classes exceeding 3'3" (1.0m) at the same show.

Junior/Amateur 1.0m Jumpers - Open to juniors and amateurs. A horse/rider combination is permitted unlimited upward movement, but downward movement is restricted to only one level. These movements are based on the level of the first class in which they competed.

Junior/Amateur 1.10m Jumpers - Open to juniors and amateurs. A horse/rider combination is permitted unlimited upward movement, but downward movement is restricted to only one level. These movements are based on the level of the first class in which they competed.

Junior/Amateur 1.20m Jumpers - Open to juniors and amateurs. A horse/rider combination is permitted unlimited upward movement, but downward movement is restricted to only one level. These movements are based on the level of the first class in which they competed.

Junior/Amateur 1.30m Jumpers - Open to juniors and amateurs. A horse/rider combination is permitted unlimited upward movement, but downward movement is restricted to only one level. These movements are based on the level of the first class in which they competed.

Junior/Amateur 1.40m Jumpers - Open to juniors and amateurs. A horse/rider combination is permitted unlimited upward movement, but downward movement is restricted to only one level. These movements are based on the level of the first class in which they competed.

Miscellaneous Open Jumpers - The height of each open division will be indicated in the prize list.

4 Year Old Jumper Development - 1.0m to 1.10m, open to all riders. Open to four year-old horses with recognized registration papers showing proof of age. Time allowed set at 300 m/min. Faults will be converted to points for 50% of the score (performance), and 50% of the score will be based on style. Knockdown or first refusal: -5 points off performance score. Time Faults: 1 T.F. = -1 off performance score.

5 Year Old Jumper Development - 1.10m to 1.20m, open to all riders. Open to five year-old horses with recognized registration papers showing proof of age. Time allowed set at 325 m/min. Run under FEI Article 238.2.2 (Table A).

6 Year Old Jumper Development - 1.20m to 1.30m, open to all riders. Open to six year-old horses with recognized registration papers showing proof of age. Run under FEI Article 238.2.2 (Table A).

7/8 Year Old Jumper Development - 1.35m, open to all riders. Open to seven or eight year-old horses with recognized registration papers showing proof of age. Run under FEI Article 238.2.2 (Table A).

Talent Squad - 1.45m, open to all riders.

World Cup Qualifier - 1.60m, open to all riders.

Derby - A derby competition takes place over a longer course, with a distance of at least 1000m and not more than 1300m, with at least 50% of the efforts over natural obstacles. It may be judged under Table A or Table C.

Grand Prix - A grand prix is, quite simply, a class with a big prize. This is usually the highest and most technical class at the horse show.

For complete rules on the various EC-recognized jumper divisions, read chapters 6 to 8 of the Equine Canada Hunter, Jumper , Equitation and Hack Rulebook here