Show jumping - from hunting to expensive top sport

Its origins lie in hunting and the military. Since riders had to overcome obstacles such as ditches and fences during fox hunting, the idea of ​​turning it into a separate equestrian discipline arose in England and Ireland in the 18th century.

In Germany and France, show jumping has more military roots. Cavalry schools and military academies also included skills such as jumping obstacles on horseback, as well as hunting and cross-country riding.

The first organized show jumping competition comparable to today's tournaments is said to have been held in Dublin in 1864. Many events followed, and the sport quickly became popular with participants and spectators.

Show jumping was first included at the Olympic Games in Paris in 1900, but then disappeared from the program. Since 1912, it has been a permanent fixture at the Games.

Until 1948, only officers were allowed to participate; from 1952, civilian riders and lower military ranks were also allowed to participate. Women have been allowed to participate since 1956.

How have the obstacles developed?

In early tournament sports, from around 1860, the obstacles usually consisted of natural barriers such as hedges, ditches, or fences. There were no uniform heights or distances or safety precautions. Even the first artificial wooden obstacles were heavy, rustic, and often dangerous for both horse and rider.

It wasn't until the 20th century that a change began: Removable poles increased safety, and the obstacles became more modular and colorful. Over time, combinations and so-called technical lines developed – sequences of different obstacles that required significant coordination and technical challenges.

Today, the obstacles are lighter and therefore safer. They are made of wood and plastic, are colorful, and decorated with flowers. Many course designers also try to specifically challenge the horses through visual stimuli: just a few, delicate poles in colors that are harder for the animals to see, or even changing LED surfaces.

The height, depth, and number of obstacles depend on the difficulty of the individual test. They are thus adapted to the abilities of the participating riders and horses. It starts with the E class (E = entry level) with at least eight obstacles of a maximum height of 85 centimeters and culminates with four-star tests in the S class (S = difficult) with obstacle heights of up to 1.60 meters and at least 13 obstacles that must be crossed within a certain time.

Why is Germany so successful in show jumping?

The reasons are the well-structured training system , successful horse breeding, and the widespread competition culture. Classical riding, according to the guidelines of the German Equestrian Federation (FN), places great emphasis on the systematic training of horse and rider. It emphasizes the principle of harmony between the two partners and is recognized worldwide. There are clear training paths for riding badges and trainer licenses, ensuring quality and continuity.

Some of the world's best warmblood horse breeds are bred in Germany, including the Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Oldenburg, and Westphalian. Warmblood horses combine jumping power, willingness to perform, endurance, and rideability, making them highly sought-after internationally as sport horses.

Finally, riders in Germany have the opportunity to compete against each other at any time and on a regular basis. In the summer, around 100 equestrian competitions of various levels take place every weekend – from small rural competitions to top international events such as the CHIO Aachen or the German Show Jumping Derby in Hamburg.

What are the most important competitions?

In addition to major events such as the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games and European Championships, which take place every four years, the most prestigious competitions in the annual tournament calendar are the Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen , the Masters in Spruce Meadows near Calgary in Canada, the CHI Geneva in Switzerland and the Dutch Masters in 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands.

A few years ago, these four events merged to form the highly endowed "Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping" tournament series. Those who win three or more shows in a row can win millions in prize money.

In addition, the World Cup series and the Global Champions Tour have strong international competitors.

Who are the legends of show jumping?

In particular, riders deserve mention here who have been able to win major championships and important competitions not only in combination with one and the same horse, but with different horses over the years.

One of the most outstanding show jumpers is Nick Skelton. The Briton has won the Grand Prix of Aachen four times – first in 1982 and most recently in 2013 , 25 years after his third victory. He became individual Olympic champion in 2016, having already won team gold in 2012.

He achieved these successes despite suffering a broken neck in a fall in 2000. The top cervical vertebra was fractured twice. Against medical advice, Skelton returned to the saddle in 2003 and continued his successful career.

The two Germans, Hans Günter Winkler and Ludger Beerbaum, also enjoy legendary status. Winkler won five Olympic gold medals between 1956 and 1976. He became famous for his ride on the "wonder mare" Halla, with whom he won the 1956 Olympic gold medal despite a torn groin muscle. Beerbaum is a four-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion. Winkler and Beerbaum each won the Grand Prix of Aachen three times.

Beerbaum's sister-in-law, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, is a female legend in show jumping. In December 2004, she became the first and, to date, only woman to reach the world number one ranking. She has won three World Cups, Olympic bronze with the team, and numerous World and European Championship medals.

What do critics say about show jumping?

Animal rights activists consider the sport to be cruelty because of the physical and psychological stress it places on the horses . They say the high obstacles, up to 1.6 meters high, combined with the rider's weight, can have serious consequences for the horses' backs and joints.

Furthermore, horses are flight animals and not designed for the psychological stress of noisy environments and frequent transport. Keeping them in individual stalls is also not appropriate for a herd animal. Certain bits and spurs are also controversial, as they can cause pain and lead to bleeding injuries if used improperly.

Animal rights organizations such as PETA therefore fundamentally reject equestrian sports and argue that it contradicts the natural needs of horses.

Proponents, on the other hand, emphasize the partnership between humans and animals as well as the continuous improvement of safety standards and husbandry conditions.