Getting Started in Show Jumping in South Africa

From your first cross-pole to SAEF competitions — a beginner's roadmap to show jumping in SA.

Buying Guides · 2026-03-20 · 7 min read

Show jumping is South Africa's most popular competitive equestrian discipline, and it's never been more accessible. Whether you're a nervous novice eyeing your first 60cm class or a teenager dreaming of the SAEF circuit, this guide will help you get started.

The Show Jumping Pathway in SA

Levels (SAEF Heights)

• Training level: 60–70cm — perfect for beginners
• Preliminary: 80–90cm — building confidence
• Novice: 1.00m — starting to get technical
• Intermediate: 1.10m — competitive amateur level
• Open/A-grade: 1.20m+ — serious competition
• Grand Prix: 1.40m+ — national level

Most adult amateurs compete happily at 80cm–1.10m. There's absolutely no shame in staying at a height you and your horse enjoy.

What Horse Do You Need?

For Beginners (60–90cm)

• A safe, experienced schoolmaster is worth its weight in gold
• Any breed can jump at this level — Boerperde, Thoroughbred crosses, warmbloods
• Look for: good temperament, honest to fences, forgiving of rider errors
• Budget: R30,000–R80,000

For Intermediate (1.00–1.20m)

• You'll need a horse with natural ability and scope
• SA Warmbloods, Hanoverians, and Thoroughbreds dominate at this level
• Look for: careful technique, boldness, adjustability
• Budget: R80,000–R250,000

For Advanced (1.30m+)

• Purpose-bred sport horses with proven jumping records
• Often imported or from top SA bloodlines
• Budget: R200,000–R500,000+

Getting Competition-Ready

1. Find a good instructor — jumping without guidance builds bad habits
2. Master the basics — position, rhythm, approach lines before height
3. Attend training shows — low-pressure events to build confidence and experience
4. Join your regional association — SAEF affiliated clubs run graded competitions
5. SANESA for juniors — the schools competition pathway is excellent

Equipment Essentials

• Jump saddle — forward-cut for shorter stirrups
• Martingale — standing or running, per instructor's advice
• Jumping boots — tendon and fetlock boots for all four legs
• Hat — SABS/EN certified helmet (mandatory)
• Body protector — recommended for cross-country, optional for SJ

Top Show Jumping Venues in SA

• Kyalami Park (Gauteng) — the home of SA show jumping
• Shongweni (KZN) — active competition calendar
• Durbanville (Western Cape) — growing SJ scene
• Bloemfontein (Free State) — strong amateur circuit

Find your show jumping partner on SAHorseSales — filter by discipline 'Show Jumping'.

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