Show Jumping (by Veronika D.)

    I started horse-riding 3 years ago. I loved horses and I wanted to ride them.

    In jumping, there is a pair (horse and rider). They must jump over usually 8 barriers in the right sequence. They mustn’t throw down any barrier. If they do it, they get bad points from the umpires. But if they jump all barriers right (they don’t throw down any barrier) they continue to the second round. There are usually 4 -5 barriers. There is important time. In national competition, riders must wear special clothes and they must have a license.

    I ride usually twice to four times a week. In winter we jump once a month but in summer we jump once a week. Sometimes we go to some easy competitions. Before we start riding, we clean the horses and give them a seat and bridle. Then we go riding – we step, trot and canter (sometimes gallop). After riding we undress the horses and go to home.

(Photos by Veronika D.)