Why Show Jumping Is So Much Fun - for You and Your Horse
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- And How to Get the Best Out of Every Ride, Every Time
There’s a feeling you get during a perfect round of show jumping that’s hard to describe. The beat of hooves beneath you, the shared breath before takeoff, and that weightless moment over a jump—it’s addictive. But it’s not just about clear rounds and fast times. It’s about the connection between horse and rider, the fun of working toward a shared goal, and the sense of accomplishment you both feel as you improve together.
Show jumping is a sport where horses and riders grow as a team. It teaches confidence, patience, and trust—for both of you. And while the thrill of competition is real, the journey is just as rewarding as the results.
Whether you’re riding at grassroots level or heading toward bigger classes, one thing remains true: preparation is everything. A successful round starts long before the bell rings.
Let’s explore what makes show jumping so enjoyable and how to prepare your horse so they feel their best—and love the experience just as much as you do.
What Makes Show Jumping So Rewarding?
At its heart, show jumping is a puzzle. No two courses are the same, no two horses jump identically, and every round presents new challenges. It’s a sport that requires split-second decisions, communication without words, and a whole lot of heart.
But what really makes it special is the partnership.
When you step into the ring with your horse, you’re not just riding—you’re collaborating. You’re listening to their energy, feeling their rhythm, and guiding them through each stride and turn. When it goes right, there’s no better feeling.
For the horse, show jumping (when trained and introduced correctly) is exciting and mentally stimulating. Horses love variety, and jumping provides just that. They get to move, think, and play. And the bond they form with a rider who trains kindly and consistently? That lasts a lifetime.
The Joy of Training Together
Training for show jumping isn’t just about building physical strength. It’s about developing trust and confidence, learning each other’s cues, and celebrating the little wins along the way.
Start with strong foundations. Flatwork is essential—it’s where balance, responsiveness, and rhythm are built. Then, add pole work and small grids to improve coordination. Work on adjustability: lengthening and shortening strides, maintaining impulsion through turns, and staying relaxed under pressure.
And remember to keep it fun. Use varied exercises, ride outside the arena when you can, and avoid drilling. Horses, like us, get bored with repetition. Keep things fresh and positive.
This is also where smart nutrition and care make a big difference. Giving your horse the support they need—especially during heavy training periods—can have a massive impact on how they feel and perform.
One simple but effective way to support your horse’s wellness is by adding Slent Gold Equestrian Omega Oil to their diet. This natural supplement is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, support joint and cardiovascular health, and promote shiny coats and healthy skin. All of which contributes to a happier, more athletic, and more resilient horse.
How to Prepare Your Horse for a Show Jumping Event
Getting your horse ready for a competition doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be an exciting part of the journey. With a solid plan, good management, and a little bit of patience, you’ll both walk into the ring feeling confident and calm.
1. Start with a Plan
Work backwards from the show date. How many weeks do you have to prepare? Think about fitness, technical skills, and exposure to new environments. If it’s your horse’s first event (or first in a while), aim to do at least one practice outing—like a fun ride, a local clear round night, or a lesson at another venue.
2. Polish Your Flatwork
A strong jump starts with good flatwork. Spend time on transitions, bending lines, shoulder-ins, and straightness. A horse that moves well on the flat will jump more efficiently and be easier to balance between fences.
This is also a great time to work on rhythm and relaxation. A relaxed horse is much more likely to stay focused and calm in the ring.
3. Fine-Tune Your Jumping Exercises
Once your horse is fit and feeling good, add in jumping sessions 1–2 times a week. Focus on exercises that mimic competition questions:
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Bounce grids and related distances
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Turns and rollbacks
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Jump-off scenarios
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Lines with adjustability challenges
Always finish on a good note. And don’t forget to praise your horse—they know when they’ve done a good job.
4. Check Fitness and Recovery
You don’t need gallops and sprints to get a horse fit for show jumping. Regular work, hill sessions, and correct schooling will do the trick. But what matters most is how they recover.
This is where Slent Gold Equestrian Omega Oil can shine. Because it supports healthy inflammation response and joint recovery, many riders find their horses bounce back faster after tough workouts. Less stiffness, better movement, and a more relaxed, supple horse the next day.
It’s a great long-term investment in your horse’s soundness—especially if they’re doing regular competitions.
5. Mental Preparation Is Key
Even the most talented horse can lose focus in a noisy warm-up or busy arena. So part of your prep should involve desensitizing and building confidence.
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Ride in different locations
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Practice loading and traveling if needed
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Walk courses together at practice events
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Use familiar equipment and routines on show day
Keep your energy calm. Horses pick up on our nerves faster than we think.
6. Tack, Gear, and Health Checks
A week before your event, check everything:
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Tack fits well and is in good repair
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Boots, saddle pads, and girths are clean and ready
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Teeth are up to date
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Hooves are healthy and trimmed or shod
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Your horse’s coat, skin, and digestion are in good shape
This is another area where omega oils help—horses on Slent Gold often show better coat condition, clearer skin, and improved appetite. These small signs of wellness add up to a happier, healthier athlete.
Show Day Tips
You’ve trained, planned, and packed. Now it’s time to enjoy the day.
Keep to your normal routine as much as possible. Feed your horse at the usual times, bring familiar tack and grooming gear, and leave plenty of time to warm up without rushing.
During the event, stay focused on your partnership—not just the results. If a jump goes wrong, regroup and ride the next one. Celebrate calm behavior, effort, and progress.
After your round, cool your horse down thoroughly, offer water, and give them a quiet moment to relax. Post-show recovery is just as important as prep.
Many riders keep Slent Gold Equestrian Omega Oil in the mix right through the season. It supports muscle recovery and helps horses maintain that “ready to go” feeling even after a big day out.
Final Thoughts: Make It a Journey Worth Taking
Show jumping is a sport built on trust. The more you invest in your horse’s physical and mental wellbeing, the more they’ll give back. And whether you’re jumping cross-poles or 1.20m classes, the joy comes from doing it together.
Take the time to prepare properly. Keep training fun. Feed well, care generously, and add smart supplements like Slent Gold Equestrian Omega Oil to help your horse feel their best.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about how high you jump—it’s about how far you go together.