That title is part of the commercial for "The World Sporthorse Championship" Jumping series currently airing on Animal Planet.
There are many types of Equestrian Jumping and these are all just one small part of horseback riding. When we ride horses, they are letting us borrow them for a while. They are some of the most powerful and intelligent creatures in the world, and can teach you a lot about life.



"Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation in the USA. However, international competitions are governed by the rules of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)." (Source: [link] )



There are several kinds of competitions: Grand Prix,
Grand Prix: "Run under International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) rules, the horse jumps a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights and spreads of up to 6.5 feet (2.0 m). Grand Prix-level show jumping competitions include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games and the Samsung Super League series.



Speed derby

Puissance: a high-jump competition, where the final wall may reach over 7 feet tall.
Six-bar: Where riders jump six fences set in a straight line. In most places, fences are placed at equal distances apart, the first fence is the lowest and each subsequent fence is higher than the one before.
Gambler's choice/accumulator: An event where exhibitors choose their own course, with each fence cleared worth a given amount of points based on difficulty. The entry who accumulates the most points within a set time limit on course is the winner.

Calcutta: A jumping event where spectators bet on which horse will win by means of an auction where the highest bidder has the exclusive bet on a given horse.
Maiden, novice and limit: Jumping classes limited to horses with fewer than one, three or six wins. Fences are usually lower and time limits more generous.
Match race or double slalom: Where two identical courses are set up in a split arena, and two horses race over the courses.
Touch class: A class held much like a normal showjumping class, except that if the horse touches the jump it is considered four faults.
Faults converted: A class in which any faults are converted into seconds on the clock, usually at the rate of 1 second per fault (i.e. one rail = 4 seconds).
(Source: [link] )

There are more categories to horseback riding than any other sport in the world, from jumping to dressage to drill to Equitation to racing; as well as Western riding, which includes roping and barrel racing. Other activities under Equestrian Riding include: Polo, Charreada, Equestrian vaulting, Reining, Gymkhana (all arena sports); Campdrafting, Cutting, Team penning (all Western sports); Buzkashi, Horseball, jousting, Polocrosse, Mounted games (relays), and Tent pegging (misc area sports). Also included are the cross-country sports: Competitive Mounted Orienteering, Le Trec, Competitive trail riding, Cross Country Jumping, fox hunting, hacking, Endurance riding, Hunter Pacing, Ride and Tie, Steeplechase, and trail riding. Still think riding is a "simple sport"? Think again!
(Source of Info: [link] )



When looking at horseback riding, many people view it as a simple, relaxed sport; but Equestrian riding is bigger than any other American Sport and requires more concentration, strength, endurance, and a willingness to learn. Even novice and Olympic riders continue to learn something new about their horse, their riding skills, and the joys of riding, as well as the pains. Equestrian riding comes with many challenges, depending on the levels of expertise you desire, and the training and goals you hope to receive. You can find a stable via: [link]
Horseback riding is great for the whole family and is wonderful for therapeutic means! In North America, there is a Therapeutic Association known as NARHA: North American Handicapped Riding Association. This allows those with handicaps to enjoy the wonders of riding, the love of horses and bonding with such magnificent creatures, and even to heal! You can find out more about NARHA at: [link]