The sport of show jumping challenges competitors to find themselves in-sync with the horse’s stride, looking ahead throughout the course to navigate the fastest route while leaving the fences up. The winner is often determined only by a matter of thousands of a second.
Form and function are the key elements of a balanced, controlled and beautiful hunter round. Did the horse get the proper canter strides in between jumping the fences? Was the horse rounded with square knees over the fence? Was the takeoff in the right place? Did the rider stay composed and in form throughout the ride? These elements are used to judge a beautiful hunter round.
Now you can jump into Hunter/Jumper action
with several shows at the world-class
Paso Robles Horse Park.
Let’s see what’s on the schedule this Fall:
Harvest Schooling Hunter/Jumper Show – October 14-15 with warm-up rounds on October 13
Looking for a place to get back in the Hunter/Jumper show ring? Need to get a horse or rider in the show jumping arena for the first time? Well, that’s what the Schooling Show series is all about. The Harvest Special Schooling Show is the last of the annual Schooling Show Series, which are community-focused, Hunter/Jumper competitions.
Competitors are welcomed to an inviting environment where they can build skills and gain experience as they strive to show at nationally rated competitions. This series provides local riders and community members an approachable option to show their horses on a world-class facility – the Paso Robles Horse Park. These schooling shows are all about creating a fun and positive environment for the competitors to show and grow as riders.
Extra-Fun at the Harvest Schooling Hunter/Jumper Show
Wine Down Hour will be enjoyed on Friday, October 13 at 5 p.m., after the warm-up rounds (12:00-5:00 p.m.) have concluded. A local San Luis Obispo County winery will be pouring complimentary tastings, while allowing riders and trainers to mingle and relax after a long day of traveling and riding.
The Harvest Special Schooling Show has become a special opportunity for the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation to support Jack’s Helping Hand Little Riders Program. This program uses the unique benefit of horses to help with children with life-threatening illnesses and special needs.
With fundraising as the focus, Sunday, October 15 will feature an “option jump” for competitors and others to join in the fundraising spirit. For each successful ride over the option jump, the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation will donate funds to Jack’s Helping Hand. Competitors, trainers, and attendees are all encouraged to jump in on the fun through donating per successful jump as well. In addition, the Jack’s Helping Hand Little Riders program participants will be in attendance to cheer on the riders and help the show management in distributing ribbons to the winning competitors.
The local community is welcome to attend. Competitors can view the Prize List here.
The Central California Classic Hunter/Jumper Show — November 1-4
The Central California Oak Tree Classic Hunter/Jumper Show — November 8-12
Looking for a local venue with international exposure? The Central California Classic Series at the Paso Robles Horse Park is for you. Top west coast riders, including multiple Olympians, will attend these two Hunter/Jumper shows (Central California Classic: November 1-4; Central California Oak Tree Classic: November 8-12). Both shows feature a USHJA Hunter Derby on Friday, and a Grand Prix Class on Saturday of each week.
The Hunter Derby tests the horsemanship and skill of riders and horses with prize money as the reward. The Grand Prix event is show jumping at its finest. Horse/rider combinations negotiate a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights and spreads of up to 6.5 feet. Grand Prix is the same level as what is seen in the Olympics and other international competitions. Both the Hunter Derby and the Grand Prix attract some of the best riders in the country and include prize money.
Spectators are encouraged to attend these events to watch top riders compete on world-class horses. Local riders are encouraged to enter and enjoy competing with world-class horses and riders, practically in their backyard. West Palms Events is organizing both Central California Classic shows, and entries can be found on the West Palms Events Horse Shows link .
Showing at The Paso Robles Horse Park
The Paso Robles Horse Park is designed with the horse and rider in mind. Arenas feature top-of-the-line GGT sand footing. The Park is known for its green competition turf field, which is a unique blend of Bermuda grass surface and poly-propylene fibers integrated into the base. These footings ensure horses are competing on surfaces that allow their talent and athleticism to shine. It also makes spectating easy on the eyes.
Outside of the arenas, all surfaces are decomposed granite to eliminate slip concerns. The barns feature 12’x12’ stalls, 44% larger than the average competition stall. The open-air fronts allow the horses the ability to see out, making this some of the most inviting equine housing available at a competition facility.
Beyond the design and footing of the Paso Robles Horse Park, competitors and fans appreciate the location of the Park on the Central Coast of California. Located in the middle of wine country in Paso Robles, the region provides stellar food, hotel, and activity options for visitors to enjoy after show hours.
Jump into the fun of a Hunter/Jumper show right here in our own backyard. Whether it be an event for you to gain experience, participate in a local fundraiser, or a chance to ride with the best in the West, you will be certain to enjoy a world-class facility and some magnificent riding. Bring the family and stay awhile.
Main Photo and Horse Show Photo: Courtesy of Paso Robles Horse Park
