Kim Purcell

San Diego Sports

Hunter-Jumper Championship Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds

By Kim Purcell
Posted on Thu, Oct 29th, 2009
Last updated Tue, Nov 10th, 2009

For San Diegans who have been to the Del Mar Racetrack during racing season but never to a hunter-jumper show (or know what it is, for that matter), the Greater San Diego Hunter-Jumper Association (GSDHJA) is hosting its annual championship invitational this week at the newly renovated Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena.

This year, the championship equestrian show has approximately 400 horses from 54 local stables competing in different classes and divisions. "We are what they call a 'county circuit,' approved by the Greater San Diego Hunter-Jumper Association," says James Waldman, vice president of GSDHJA, trainer, and owner of Quail Haven Farms in Vista, Calif. In highly populated horse country, the 12-year-old association has grown to more than 1,200 members. "We have a very strong equestrian community in San Diego."

A young rider hoping for a blue ribbon!

Courtesy Photo

The volunteer-based association sponsors the San Diego hunter-jumper season, which begins in January and ends with the championship show. "The circuits are all run by trainers," says Waldman. "We do this merely for the love of the sport. The spirit of organization is 'let's all work together to make this happen.'"

The equestrians range from an astonishingly young 3-year-old to 60-year-old riders. "We try to make it a very fun event for everyone, from entry level to very experienced rider," says Waldman.

Hunter-jumper horses are judged on a combination of factors: The "hunter" can be any age or breed; they aren't judged on time but their ability to conform and maneuver the course. The "jumper" can also be any age or breed; its objective is just to get over the jumps in the fastest amount of time. The jumper with the fastest, cleanest round (fewest knocked-down rails, etc.) wins.

Hunter-Jumper championship rider

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Each day features different classes and special events: Wednesday is for professional classes, so trainers can ride first and then concentrate on helping their clients who are riding over the weekend. On Thursday, Junior and Amateur classes start, and continue throughout the weekend. "Saturday starts with the little kids because of school," says Waldman. "We have a lot of kids running around on Saturday."

Just in time for Halloween, Friday evening features a Costume class. "It's a lot of fun - they decorate their horses," says Waldman. "You would not believe how create these kids - and adults - can get with their costumes. People dress up - I've seen horses full-on dressed up as elephants." Other popular Friday classes include creating your own line jumpers, which allows riders to make up their own courses and try to complete them in the fastest amount of time.

Saturday features "hunt teams," where three horses start out simultaneously and attempt to perform the last jump at precisely the same time. "So it's really a matter of timing and a lot of fun to watch," says Waldman.

Over the course of the weekend, attendance to this popular equestrian event is estimated to be in the thousands. "We are back again at the fairgrounds after two years, which we are very excited about," says Waldman. "The brand-new Del Mar Arena - it's absolutely beautiful."

The GSDHJA is dedicated to promoting the development of Hunter-Jumper competition in the San Diego area. The Association provides for the organization of competition between riders, horses and professionals across shows. Its aim is to provide overall goals for competitions during each show season and provide for recognition for achievements during the season.

For more information, visit the GSDHJA website or call (858) 509-5104 (during event).

Hours:

Wednesday and Sunday, 8:00AM-6:00PM

Thursday, 8:00AM-8:00PM

Friday and Saturday, 8:00AM-10:00PM

Price: Free Admission

Parking: $9.00

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Arena Complex

About the author: Kim Purcell is a professional writer/editor from Atlanta who has been working in the publishing industry since 2002. Graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Spanish and a passion for writing, she began her career as a columnist for a local paper and has since established herself in the industry with a diverse background in magazines, book publishing and online media. She has lived in San Diego for two years and enjoys getting to know her new West Coast home.
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