What We Do

British Showjumping  is the governing body of Showjumping in Great Britain, formulating the rules and codes of practice under which all affiliated competitions are held. Our purpose is to improve and maintain standards of showjumping, while encouraging members of all standards and at all levels to enjoy fair competition over safe and attractive courses. 

British Showjumping has classes to cater for all levels of ability whether you simply want to compete occasionally at weekends over a 70cm course or aim eventually, for top class competitions at the Royal International Horse Show, Horse of the Year Show or Olympia. 

We manage more than 4,200 shows each year providing in excess of 4,350 days of showjumping for members riding registered horses and ponies. These shows are run according to British Showjumping rules with at least two judges for each competition being members of the official panel of  judges. Courses are designed and built by accredited course builders ensuring well run, enjoyable entertainment for competitors, families, owners and spectators. Showjumping is a sport that reaches millions of people through television and the media, the large county shows and the participation, either directly or indirectly, of a wide range of individuals competing on horses of varying ability. 

It is a sport enjoyed by the horse enthusiast, the professional, and those who have never been on or near a horse in their lives. The appeal is wide and far reaching. Competitors of all ages and of varying abilities now compete in competitions all over the country.

Through the types of classes run by British Showjumping, we actively encourage potential competitors to try their hand at showjumping. It is a common myth that you have to be of great ability to even start in affiliated classes. We aim to give experience of jumping under our rules over well built fences at efficient shows. However, should you wish, once you have gained confidence to progress with your showjumping, there are structured levels of classes through which you may advance. It is important to remember that this is a sport open to all!

JUDGES & COURSE DESIGNERS

Judges, Associate Judges, Time Keepers and Course Designers/Builders, minimum age 18, are appointed by the Rules Committee and their names are published in the panel lists. Appointments are renewable each year. British Showjumping Judges Panels:- Application to become an Associate Judge must be made through the Area Committee. Acceptance results in the applicant becoming eligible to gain experience under British Showjumping panel judges at affiliated and minor shows. A minimum of six shows must be attended during this phase of training, and written recommendation from two panel judges must be received before progressing. To qualify for consideration for appointment to the Judges Panel, a candidate must serve a minimum period of one year on the Associate Judges Panel and attend a Judges Conference.

Following relevant training and examinations, the candidate will be recommended to the Rules Committee for appointment to Panel Judge. Course Designers Panels:- The minimum age for a Panel Course Builder is 18 years of age on 1st April in the year he/she may gain panel approval.

There are four categories of course builder/designer, starting at Assistant level and rising through Associate and Median level to Advance. All course builders start as an Assistant. To be considered for listing as an Assistant course builder the candidate must first apply to the Area representative in whose Area he/she normally resides or expects to officiate. All affiliated competitions must be built by an accredited Course Builder/Designer (Assistant, Associate, Median or Advanced) listed in the current Rules & Year Book. For more information please refer to the British Showjumpings Rule Book or send an S.A.E. to the office for a booklet relating to Associate Judges.