Showjumping

A discipline that does not make the most of the Rocky Mountain Horses's natural gait, however RMHs being great athletes can do well in lower grade events.

Showjumping requires athleticism, control and accuracy, things at which a Rocky Mountain Horse excels. These attributes are required from both horse and rider to clear a set course of knockable fences, including verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, with a variety of turns and changes of direction. The aim is to jump cleanly over the set course without knocking down the fences, refusing or running out. For many classes, this must be achieved within an allotted time to go through to the next round, known as the ‘jump-off’. The jump-off is against the clock over a shortened course and determines the winner – the combination with the fastest time and the least amount of faults wins.

Time faults are accrued if you exceed the time allowed, along with jumping faults being awarded for any knock-downs or refusals. The height of the fences varies depending on the level you wish to compete at – at affiliated level this can range from 70cm to over 1.60m.