Guide and Tips to Keep in Mind for Club Show Jumping Competitions

Here’s a practical guide for those of you planning to organize a simple, fun, and well-run club show jumping competition —such as a clear round, a faultless round, or a “pay & jump”—where all participants receive a prize rosette.

Plan the course—simple, safe, and inviting

Build a small and clear course: 6 to 8 jumps are plenty.
Avoid technical lines, combinations, and difficult turns.
Feel free to use:
- Cross
- Rails
- Ground poles
Include generous turns and good galloping stretches.
Number the obstacles clearly; many participants are inexperienced. Remember: this is a training competition, not a meet.

Choose a simple competition format

For these events, simplicity is key:

Event	Format	Judging
Clear round	Any height	0 faults = prize rosette
Faultless round	Fixed height	0 faults = prize rosette
Pay & Jump	Drop-in / start list	Everyone gets a ribbon
High Jump Light	Same track, gradually increase height	Continuing is optional

No jump-off. No timing required.

Officials—few roles, clear responsibilities

You don’t need many people, but you need the right ones:

Course staff —set up and raise the obstacles
Entry—keeping track of teams
Judges/recorders —count faults (can be coaches)
Announcer —creates a lively atmosphere and enhances the whole experience!
Rosette coordinator —hands out rosettes immediately after the ride

Prize Rosettes & Experience

Purchase simple participant rosettes in advance. Here you’ll find suggestions for Clear Round prize rosettes
Hand out the rosette immediately as the rider exits the arena.
Say something like:
“Great round! Here you go, a prize rosette for your ride!” This creates a “wow” moment, especially for children and young people.

A Schedule That Sticks

A common mistake is to underestimate the time needed.

Calculate it this way: 3 minutes per rider and horse

Example:
30 starters = about 90 minutes + a break.

Add:

10 min course walk-through
5 minutes for course adjustments between heights

Registration & Payment—Keep It Simple

Pre-register via:
- Messenger group
- List at the stable
- Google Form
Swish on-site or in advance
Set a fixed price, e.g., 150 SEK per start. Drop-in works great for pay & jump.

Create the right atmosphere (this is more important than perfection)

Play music in the riding arena
Have an announcer cheering everyone on
Allow a do-over if something goes wrong
Allow a leader to assist uncertain riders and horses
Allow coaches on the course if necessary

This is training with a competitive feel.

Safety & flow in the riding arena

A clear entry/exit route
Maximum of 3 pairs on the course at a time (warm-up)
One rider and horse on the course
An official directing the flow

Checklist before the first start

After the competition

Take photos and post them in the club group
Thank the officials
Ask the participants what they thought

This builds a sense of community and ensures the next competition fills up right away. The goal of this type of competition is to create a positive experience for riders, officials, and the audience.

GOOD LUCK!