Showjumping

Introduction
Equine veterinarians are frequently asked to evaluate the jumping sport horse during times of competition in order to assess performance issues that a more conventional clinical examination may fail to reveal. Examining a competing horse requires a working knowledge of the discipline, the rules, and technical nature of the jumps themselves.

In showjumping, the examiner must understand the level of competition and the ability of the rider in order to accurately assess the condition of the horse. The performance of the horse in competition provides a specialised succession of tests that will help the practitioner to evaluate the horse and appreciate subtle characteristic changes in attitude around and over the jumps. This observation should be in addition to normal physical and dynamic examinations in hand. A possible assessment can be made from videos, observing horses warming up, and watching the competition. [...]