If you’re currently competing in unaffiliated showjumping, and looking to step up to affiliated British Showjumping competition, this handy guide will help explain the different showjumping levels and how the competitions work.
There are four categories within the British Showjumping senior showjumping competitions, they are Club, Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3. For juniors there are Just for Schools, Club and Junior events.
This blog concentrates on the senior Showjumping categories:
Club level is open to all riders including non-registered riders, and is a great way to get into British Showjumping affiliated competitions.
Category 1 has a minimum height of 70cm up to a maximum height of 1.15m. Club classes are permitted to run at Category 1 events which are open to all, and one clear round class is also permitted at a Cat 1 show.
An example of a Category 1 show is*:
| Class Height | Minimum 1st Place Prize Fund | Maximum 1st Place Prize Fund |
| 85cm Amateur Qualifier | £25 | £40 |
| British Novice first round (90cm) | £25 | £100 |
| 95cm Amateur Qualifier | £25 | £40 |
| Discovery first round (1.00m) | £30 | £100 |
| 1.05m Amateur Qualifier | £35 | £50 |
| Newcomers first round (1.10m) | £40 | £100 |
| National 1.15m Members Cup | £50 | £100 |
| Opens up to 1.15m | Min in keeping with the schedule | £100 |
Open Sections
Open sections are permitted to run alongside a British Novice, Discovery, Newcomers and National 1.15m Members Cup qualifier class for horses which have too many points for the qualifier class. In the event of 30 starters or more, the class would then be split into the qualifier class and the Open section and two sets of prize money would be given.
A Category 2 event has a minimum height of 90cm and a maximum of 1.40m. Club classes are permitted within this category. However, National Amateur classes are not permitted in this category. There is also a maximum prize fund of £3,500 per show day.
An example of a Category 2 show is*:
| Class Height | Minimum 1st Place Prize Fund | Maximum 1st Place Prize Fund |
| British Novice first round (90cm) | £25 | £100 |
| Discovery first round (1.00m) | £30 | £100 |
| Newcomers first round (1.10m) | £40 | No Maximum Prize money |
| Foxhunter first round (1.20m) | £50 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National B & C | £75 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National 1.30m | £100 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National 1.40m | No Minimum Prize money | No Maximum Prize money |
| Opens up to 1.40m | Min. in keeping with the schedule | No Maximum Prize money |
Open Sections
Open classes are permitted to run alongside a British Novice and Discovery class, at a Category 2 event there must always be two sets of prize money awarded. Open sections are permitted to run alongside a Newcomers (1.10m), National 1.15m Members Cup qualifier and Foxhunter (1.20m) classes for horses which have too many points for the qualifier class. In the event of 30 starter or more, the class would then be split into the qualifier class and the Open section and two sets of prize money would be given. Grade C may be combined with a Foxhunter class.
Category 3 shows have a prize money of £3,501 or more per show day.
An example of a Category 3 show is*:
| Class Height | Minimum 1st Place Prize Fund | Maximum 1st Place Prize Fund |
| Newcomers first round (1.10m) | £100 | No Maximum Prize money |
| Foxhunter first round (1.20m) | £100 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National B & C | £75 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National 1.30m | £100 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National 1.40m | No Minimum Prize money | No Maximum Prize money |
| Area Trials | £1,000 | No Maximum Prize money |
| National 1.40m | £2,000 | No Maximum Prize money |
| Opens 1.15m and above | £50 | No Maximum Prize money |
If a Category 3 show is within a two hour driving time of a Category 2 show, the Category 2 show will be restricted to a maximum height of 1.30m with a maximum 1st prize of £150. Category 2 shows within a two-hour drive time of a County/Agricultural or International Show will be restricted to a maximum height of 1.40m with a maximum first prize of £150.
Eland Lodge run a number of Category 1 events from March to October and two Category 2 events in June.
Riding on a Ticket
If you fancy entering a British Showjumping class at Eland Lodge but are not registered, you can ride on a ‘Day Ticket’ - these cost £5 for one day’s competition. They must be purchased via the British Showjumping Members Online login and entitle a horse and rider combination to compete in a British Showjumping affiliated competitions. Normal class entry fees are still payable. However, no prize money, qualification or placing will be awarded.
*British Showjumping Member Handbook 2021
