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For Graders: Pony Club Show Jumping Grading marking sheets (.xls) >>
PCANT Show Jump Graders >>
What is Grading?
Grading is based on the ability of the horse and rider as a combination, thereby providing the opportunity for each combination to compete at a standard commensurate with their ability. The grading is achieved by assessing the capability of the horse and rider as a combination, this is irrespective of the age of the rider, the size of the horse or the horse's previous grading or performance.
Grading should only occur when the combination is capable of competing safely, and this applies to all age groups. A competition is not the place for schooling or instruction.
Show jumping grades are PA, PB, PC, PD and PE. The combination needs to be competent enough to negotiate second and third rounds over obstacles with increased heights and spreads.
Regrading of combinations (up or down) is allowed and this is at the discretion of the PCANT Show Jumping Coach.
Guidelines for Pony Club Graded Show Jumping
The following table refers to the heights as of January 2009
MAXIMUM STARTING HEIGHTS AND SPREADS |
| GRADE |
MAX. Height |
MAX. Spread |
| A Grade |
1.15m |
1.50m |
| B Grade |
1.00m |
1.20m |
| C Grade |
0.85cm |
0.90m |
| D Grade |
0.70m |
0.60m |
| E Grade |
0.53m |
0.53m |
PA GRADE -- to consist of top combinations who have been competing favourably in PB Grade events.
PB GRADE -- to consist of combinations showing potential to go to the top, but the horse and/or rider are lacking in the necessary experience.
PC GRADE -- to consist of combinations with less ability and experience, but too advanced for PD Grade.
PD GRADE -- to consist of combinations just beginning to compete in jumping competitions.
PE GRADE -- for the genuine beginner or small pony.
It must be remembered that the heights and spreads specified for each grade, are the heights for the first round of the first event on the day of competition. After two or three rounds (PB, PC, PD, PE) the combination will be negotiating jumps 0.15m (6") to 0.23m (9") in excess of the maximum starting height. This factor must be considered when deciding the grading for each combination. If any combination in any grade consider they would be over-faced in a jump off (i.e. the second and third rounds) they need not continue.
N.B.: there is no restriction on the finishing height for PA events.
The Grading Process
A Show Jumping course should be built at the maximum starting height for PE Grade. Start and finish markers should be in place; the course should be measured and the Time Allowed established.
Combination obstacles are not recommended for PE Grade. Treble obstacles are permitted in PA, PB and PC Grades only.
All riders wishing to be graded PE standard must complete the course with control and without difficulty. The course is then raised 7.5cm (3") for the second round, and then raised a further 7.5cm (3") for the third round.
Only those combinations of horse and rider who complete the second and third rounds in a manner considered satisfactory will be graded PE. Any combination considered NOT satisfactory will not be given a grading.
Any combination of horse and rider which appears capable of progressing to the next grade will be permitted to make the attempt.
The course is then set at the maximum starting height for PD grade, and all riders wishing to be graded, or up graded, to PD standard must complete the course with control and without difficulty. The course is then raised 7.5cm (3") for the second round; then raised a further 7.5cm for the third round.
Only those combinations of horse and rider who complete the second and third rounds in a manner considered satisfactory will be graded PD. Any combination aspiring for grading, or up-grading to that standard, who appear to be over-faced in the jump-off (second or third) rounds need not continue, and will remain at the lower grade.
Any combination of horse and rider which appears capable of progressing to the next grade will be permitted to make the attempt.
The same procedure is followed for all other grades, with any combination of horse and rider which has been previously graded starting at the standard at which they are already graded (not above it), and working up if it is considered they are capable of doing so.
In all cases the need to "hasten slowly" should be strongly advocated. Grading was instigated to encourage riders and horses to keep jumping, and every effort should be made to encourage and assist competitors, but is must be understood that organised competitions are not the time or place for schooling or for instruction, and that a properly graded combination will always give a good performance.
The grading for show jumping MUST be recorded on the rider's current Show Jumping card and PCANT MUST be notified.
Re-Grading
Those responsible for grading must be aware of the dangers involved in upgrading, especially from PB to PA grade, before the combination is ready.
It must be remembered that there is no height limit to the finish of PA grade, therefore the combination must be confident of coping with the required standard.
If it is considered that a combination AT ANY STANDARD is having difficulty with its present grading, then that combination may be reviewed. This may result in re-grading the combination to a lower grade.
The re-grading for show jumping MUST be recorded on the rider's current show jumping card and PCANT MUST be notified for the change.
