Riding a horse is an amazing experience in its own. If you have been around the horse world/horse show jumping long enough, you might have come across phrases like a Grand Prix Rider or Grand Prix show jumping etc. Let us give you some clarity over these phrases.
What is Grand Prix Show Jumping?
“Grand Prix is the uppermost level of show jumping. It runs under International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) rules. In this type of horse show jumping, the horse jumps a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights up to 1.6 meters (5 feet 3 inches) and spreads of up to 2.0 meters (6 ft 7 in). Grand Prix-level show jumping competitions comprise of the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games, and other series of internationally ranked events. Grand Prix show jumping is usually referred to collectively as five-star Concours de Saut International (CSI) rules.”
How to become a Grand Prix Rider?
Grand Prix riders most likely to succeed are those who approach this difficult career path with the right attitude. There is a great difference between being the brave kid who gets on the naughty ponies and creating young sports horses in a world-famous yard such as several of our employers, home and abroad. Here are some tips of how to become a Grand Prix Rider:
1. Experience
A Grand Prix Rider will need to have several years’ experience riding a variety of breeds/ages/sex. Being able to jump your one horse you have produced over 4 years round a 1.3 m course is one thing, but you will rapidly find getting on a fresh, hot-headed warm blood and jumping around is a whole other ball game! In some scenarios, like if you are applying to be a rider for an Arabian stud, for instance, the experience of that specific breed and it’s all its oddities would be required.
2. Professionalism
As a Grand Prix Rider, you will have a lot of responsibility to show a mature, respectable and professional persona throughout. The way you dress, present yourself, communicate with ground staff and your grooms, the way you ride and treat your horses will all replicate, either good or bad, on the yard you denote so be aware, you are always in the public eye. You will often need to communicate with owners, either for yourself or on behalf of an employer, so giving a good impression is very important.
3. Bravery
You might sometimes find yourself as either the sole rider or the junior rider when you are starting. As a Grand Prix Rider, you are expected to be brave. If you sincerely are the skilled and experienced rider then you have sold yourself as you should have the capability and knowledge to deal perfectly and safely with the said horse. You should believe in yourself to do so. Be heartlessly honest with yourself about the context of your riding experience and capability. A rider needs to be truthfully confident in their ability and themselves.
4. Good health and fitness
Riding all day every day is a tremendously physically demanding job. Ensure your health in terms of recurring injuries, ongoing conditions, back problems are all dealt with, before even applying for any such job. You will also need to ensure that you are physically fit for the job. It’s no-good blowing everyone away with your enthusiasm on day one if you’re are swarming up the yard by lunchtime on day 3!
We at Comly Sport Horses understand your love and concerns for your horse. Therefore, we provide the best professional horse training for your horse. You don’t need to worry anymore as your horse is in professional and safe hands.