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Preliminary Specifications for Show Jumping Competition (for complete specifications refer to USEF Rules For Eventing):
• Maximum Course Length: 600m
• Speed: 350 mpm
• Jumping Efforts: 11-13
• Height: 3'7"
• Spread: 4'3"
• Spread Triple Bar: 4'11"
Position, Balance, Aids
Required at this level:
The coach should confirm and strengthen all the elements
of position, balance, and application of the aids as detailed
under Starter through Modified Level Show Jumping
Teaching Requirements.
Preliminary Level riders should have a confirmed, correct,
supple, and secure independent seat between and over
fences, which encourages a correct, round jump in the
horse, and which supports the horse without interfering
with the horse. This means that:
PRELIMINARY SHOW JUMPING
Teaching and Rider
Requirements
• The rider is always balanced completely independent of
the reins, and in such a way that they can maintain elastic
contact in the air over a jump which offers the horse full
access to its topline, therefore allowing the rider to remain
in connection throughout the jumping effort.
• The rider instinctively adjusts their position as needed to
improve or support the horse's way of going.
• Rider should have ability to maintain the forward seat and
half-seat with a following elastic contact for level-appro-
priate intervals at trot and canter.
Preliminary level riders should be able to use effective,
coordinated aids to generate correct balance, the accurate
line and track, appropriate speed and a range of stride
lengths while using a variety of jumping positions.
