Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a moderate aerobic exercise which also works out the muscles in the legs, buttocks, and stomach. New Era describes the fundamentals of Horseback Riding, better known as Equestrian Show Jumping. The riding event (equestrian show jumping) included in the modern pentathlon competition involves jumping over obstacles of up to 120 cm in height.

The obstacle course is between 350 - 450 m in length and includes 12 obstacles with one double and one triple for 15 jumps. Athletes compete on horses provided by the organizers, which are selected from a random draw 20 minutes prior to the event. For warm-up and preparation purposes, athletes are allowed to ride their allocated horse for 20 minutes and have up to five trial jumps in the warm-up arena provided for the purpose.



After two refusals to jump, the rider must try to jump the next obstacle whilst the rider loses 200 points for every obstacle not jumped. The event of a fall or both rider and horse hitting mother gravity, will result in a 40-point penalty. After two falls, the riding will be terminated, while the rider will have a further 300 points deducted. Each second over the limit means a deduction of four points.

John Whitaker MBE has over 35 years experience of competing at the top level in show jumping and has represented Great Britain 20 times in Olympic, World and European Championships competitions. He won the show jumping gold at the Beijing Olympics.