New European-Style Developing Sport Horse Division to Premier at the 2013 Southeast Medal Finals
by Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International | Aug 7, 2013, 9:19 AM
At the popular Jacksonville show, to be held on September 19-22, the Developing Sport Horse Division was added to showcase young jumper talent. Developing Sport Horses will be judged on style, presentation, rideability, and their potential to eventually compete at the grand prix level and represent the U.S. in international competition.
"I saw these young jumper classes in Europe and I thought they made a lot of sense," said James Lala, who partners with Bob Bell and Classic Company to produce the Southeast Medal Finals. "It is an opportunity to compete a young jumper while nurturing their development."
Here's how the division will work:
All competitors begin each class with 60 points. The judge and course designer will designate the course's optimal time. The time allowance will be set at eight seconds below and eight seconds above the optimal time.
The judge will award points:
1 - 10 points for Style - Jumping technique
1 - 10 points for Presentation - Fitness, condition and expression
1 - 10 points for Rideability - Smoothness, leads and appropriate striding
1 - 10 points for Potential - Talent to one day compete at grand prix level or to represent the U.S. in International competition
The judge will subtract points for the following faults:
-5 points per knock down
-20 points for first refusal
-2 points for each second above and below the time allowance
Developing Sport Horse courses may offer options which provide competitors the opportunity to showcase their horses' strengths.
The Developing Sport Horse format will encourage good horsemanship for young jumpers. The horses in the division should demonstrate talent, potential, be in good health and be both physically and mentally ready for the competition.
The entries with the highest points will be named champion and reserve champion of each section. The Developing Sport Horse with the most points in all four sections will awarded Best Developing Sport Horse.
SECTIONS:
4 yr old, Fence height 1.0
5 yr old, Fence height 1.10
6 yr old, Fence height 1.20
Horses in their First or Second Year of Showing, Fence height 1.10
To compete in the Developing Sport Horse Division, competitors must show proof of age, bloodlines- country of origin and breeder, and a brief bio.