My first Grand Prix

A horse show — isn’t that something the rich and famous attend? Maybe, but I attended my first Grand Prix and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Grand Prix comes from the French meaning the richest or greatest prize. However, the words are used to designate the most challenging or sophisticated level of competition in a particular sport — in this case equestrian jumping.

The premise of the contest is for the horse and rider to successfully jump 15 – 20 fences set in a specific area. If the horse falls, stops, runs away from, or knocks down a fence, penalty points are assessed.

One of the challenges for competitors is that no two courses are the same. Course designers attempt to create a course that only six or so horses can complete without obtaining penalties.

Watching these magnificent creatures on a warm sunny Sunday afternoon creates such a respect for the riders and horses. It is as if they are one — horse and rider— flying over obstacles in a tight structured course. It doesn’t seem to matter that you don’t know any of the competitors — you still hold your breath as each hurdle is taken sighing when a fence is missed and penalties assigned and cheering when a clean ride is the result.

The first two jumps are the easiest to help build the horse’s confidence. Each jump is different — with varying distances between the fences and different types of jump construction and colors.

Only the riders know the course before the competition. Each rider walks the course pacing off the distance for each jump. The rider’s job is to bring the horse to the optimal take-off point for each jump. The horse relies on the rider to give it clear direction. If the horse takes off too far away from the jump, it will land too early and possibly knock down the fence with its hind legs. Consequently, if the horse takes off too close, it often knocks down the fence with its front legs.

Practice, precision, confidence and trust combine to present an exciting competition involving beautiful horses and competent riders. It isn’t a sport for the rich — it’s for those enamored with horses and dreams of being in the saddle.

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