BSJA Showjumping Grades: Complete Buyer's Guide
If you are looking to buy a horse or pony for showjumping, understanding the British Showjumping Association (B.S.J.A.) grading system is essential. The B.S.J.A. governs showjumping competitions in the UK, providing an official framework for registering horses and ponies, and defining the competition levels they can enter.
For those interested in local, novice-level jumping purely for enjoyment, the B.S.J.A. rules and grading may not be necessary, as informal classes often suffice. However, competing in recognised affiliated competitions requires membership of the B.S.J.A. and riding a registered horse or pony with an official grade.
What Does a B.S.J.A. Grade Tell You About a Horse or Pony?
If you find a horse or pony advertised with an existing B.S.J.A. grade, this denotes the level at which it has competed and succeeded in official shows. Any horse or pony can be registered with the B.S.J.A. without prior competition results, but grades are earned through winnings.
Notably, the grading always belongs to the horse or pony, not the rider. New owners inherit the horse's grade, which affects eligibility for classes. For example, buying a horse graded above your riding ability limits where you can compete until your skills improve or the horse progresses in grade.
The grade ranks horses and ponies based on their lifetime competition winnings, ensuring riders compete at appropriate levels. A horse or pony once graded cannot move down but can progress upwards with further success.
Understanding B.S.J.A. Competition Levels and Grades
The B.S.J.A. grading system uses lifetime financial winnings or equivalent points to rank competitors. This system dictates the complexity and height of fences in classes horses and ponies may enter. For younger riders (under 16) on ponies, classes often start at lower heights compared to adult competitions.
Grades for Ponies
- Grade JD: Ponies with winnings from £0 to £99. Entry level for novices.
- Grade JC: Ponies with winnings between £100 and £699. Intermediate level.
- Grade JA: Ponies with winnings over £700. Highest pony grade, able to compete at advanced levels.
Grades for Horses
- Grade C: Horses with winnings from £0 to £999. Entry level for initial registration.
- Grade B: Horses with winnings between £1,000 and £1,999. Intermediate competitive horses.
- Grade A: Horses with £2,000 or more in winnings. Top-level competitors in the B.S.J.A. system.
If riding a pony, you may choose to enter horse classes under the C, B, and A horse gradings, but horses cannot compete in pony-specific classes. This flexibility allows advancing ponies to compete at higher levels.
Competition Classes and Jump Heights
Below are typical classes classified by points and competition heights, guiding you on which class corresponds to what horse or pony grade:
| Class Name | Points/Winnings Limit | First Round Fence Height | Second Round Fence Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Novice (Ponies/Horses) | Less than 125 points (£0-£99 ponies, £0-£999 horses) | 70cm (ponies), 90cm (horses) | Up to 1m (horses) |
| Discovery | Less than 225 points (£100-£699 ponies, £1,000-£1,999 horses) | 1m (ponies & horses) | 1.05m (ponies & horses) |
| Newcomers | Less than 375 points | 1.10m | 1.25m |
| Foxhunter | Less than 700 points | 1.20m | 1.30m |
What to Consider When Buying a Showjumping Horse or Pony
Purchasing a horse or pony with a B.S.J.A. grade can be a major advantage for riders eager to compete at an appropriate level. However, matching your own experience with the grade of horse is crucial. If the horse’s grade is significantly higher, you may find competition limited or challenging initially.
Responsible ownership means selecting a horse or pony you can handle confidently, while using the grading as a guide to your competition pathway. Remember, grades only move upwards as the horse progresses in competition success.
Before buying, verify the horse's B.S.J.A. membership status and grade, and consider ongoing training and vet checks to ensure your new companion is fit and suited to your goals.
Next Steps: Joining British Showjumping
To compete in official events, riders must also become members of the B.S.J.A., enabling registration with a horse or pony and entry into affiliated classes. Membership opens access to leagues, championships, and a structured competition pathway to develop your skills and successes.
For full information on grades, rules, and membership, visit the B.S.J.A. website.
