Even if you have no real interest in jumping, every well-rounded rider should know how to jump a horse. For example, the trail rider may be faced with a fallen tree trunk he needs to jump. Jumping low-to-the-ground obstacles is generally within the capability of most horses or ponies and not overly difficult for the rider. Take some hunt seat lessons to acquire the proper position and balance for jumping so as not to jab your horse in the mouth as you sail over the obstacle.

Also known as stadium jumping, this event involves jumps set up within the confines of a show arena. The event may be a class in a show, a show in itself, or one of the three legs of a three-day event. Riders are expected to follow a specific predetermined pattern around the jump course. Your ride around the course is timed, and faults are given for any rails knocked over. When riders tie scores for the finish, the rails are raised higher, and a jumpoff is held to determine a winner.

As with stadium jumping, cross-country jumping can be an event in itself or one of the three legs in a three-day event. The jump course is set up in a cross-country setting through woods and fields and on uneven terrain. You follow a specific course. Judges are stationed at each jump, and your run is timed. The jumps are often constructed to look natural to the setting and may include large brush jumps or wide water jumps. The horse must be trained to jump a variety of obstacles going uphill and downhill.

Fox hunting is an organized undertaking with a strictly followed protocol for beginners, who are expected to become familiar with the complex rules and etiquette of the hunt. Most fox hunts these days do not involve hunting and killing real foxes. Rather, they are drag hunts. They get their name from the practice of dragging a fox-scented cloth for the hounds to follow. This allows participants to go through the motions simply for the fun of “riding to hounds,” as well as preserving the traditions of the English hunt.

Modern fox hunts still involve baying hounds, galloping horses, beautiful countryside, challenging jumps, and many riders. The hunt club designs a course that includes jumps. It is a great way to get your horse exposed and accustomed to a lot of excitement.

However, horses can be quite excitable around howling hounds and other horses running ahead of them. That's why you need to be an experienced rider capable of negotiating a variety of obstacles and controlling your horse to be invited to ride with a hunt. Usually there is ample opportunity for novice riders to follow the hunt without jumping or only jumping the smaller jumps. This gives the hunt master and other members of the club an opportunity to observe and evaluate your riding skills before allowing you to participate more.

If you're interested in fox hunting, here are some fun terms to become familiar with: