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Where Dressage is judged based on artistic presentation as well as athleticism, show jumping is purely based on speed and accuracy. The horse and rider are tested over a course of obstacles including elements of height and width. Intended to demonstrate energy, skill, accuracy and obedience of the horse, as well as the rider’s horsemanship. Riders incur penalties for exceeding the time allowed, or for knocking down or refusing to jump an obstacle. The winner finishes with the lowest score – zero is ideal. Equestrian sports, show jumping included, are the only Olympic sports where men and women compete on equal footing.
Although it was a quite an unexpected shock for the Royal as well as the rest of the equine world that Eric Lamaze's Olympic gold medal partner Hickstead passed away in Verona on November 6, 2011, fans still had a chance to see Eric Lamaze perform on Herald 3. "We hope Eric takes comfort in being back on home soil with his Canadian fans cheering him on" said Fair President, John Dunlap.
Fans were also able to leave tributes in books of condolence that were set up in the Ricoh Coliseum's Heritage Court and over 1,000 followers shared their thoughts and condolences via our Facebook group.
National show jumping started opening weekend with rounds one and two of the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, presented by Greenhawk, Friday and Saturday evening. International show jumping continued through Saturday, November 12th with Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands wrapping up the International division with a win in the $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge.
 Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, who went on to take the $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge in 2011. |
 Eric Lamaze comes back to compete on 'home soil' at the 89th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. |
