There are many things that make affiliated (graded) shows different from non-affiliated (training shows). The most important difference is what it allows the riders to do and not to do. Affiliated shows are more serious and held up to an international standard, whereas unaffiliated shows are more relaxed, local and used for training or sometimes non serious riders to test out their horses and skills against other local riders.
Affiliated Showjumping shows are Graded shows where a rider horse combination, registered by the FEI and their country’s Equestrian society, can earn points and rank internationally, with the opportunity to compete in the Olympics. Unaffiliated shows are used as training shows or for non-serious competitors where the horse and rider can compete at any level without the need for points, but they will not get national or international credit.
In the article, we will look at some of the other differences between these two types of shows. The tack and rider wear that is allowed at these shows differ, as well as some of the rules and regulations.
Affiliated vs non-affiliated Showjumping: What Is The Difference?
Affiliated shows are also known as Graded shows. In Affiliated competitions, the horse and rider combination move up through the levels of Showjumping by earning points. These points are then used to rank the riders and horses on an international level. By doing affiliated shows, the rider and horse are registered by the FEI and their country’s Equestrian society. This allows the rider to compete internationally and eventually in the Olympics.
Unaffiliated shows are used as training shows or for non-serious competitors where the horse and rider can compete at any level without the need for points, but they will not get national or international credit.
In the case of nonaffiliated shows, the show holding body also has its own rules and regulations. Non-affiliated shows are also set to follow the basic rules of the FEI when it comes to the horse’s well being. Non-affiliated shows are used to create a relaxed atmosphere where young horses or new riders learn the basics of shows and take their horses out to expose them to shows.
Affiliated vs non-affiliated Showjumping: According to the Equestrian federations:
Each country has its own Equestrian Federation that operates under the FEI for Affiliated and non-affiliated shows. These shows include all disciplines and levels. The rules for non-affiliated shows can differ slightly from each federation, but the basic rules applied by the FEI would still be applied.
USEF is the Equestrian Federation for the United States of America. EEF is the federation for Europe and SAEF is the federation for South Africa, and AEF is the federation for Asia. Under each of these federations are divisions for each state. They can be further divided into equestrian clubs.
The showjumping committees of each state or province will have their own basic training/non-affiliated shows. Here are some examples for non-affiliated shows:
- The show holding body needs to be registered at the Provincial/State Showjumping committee.
- The venue must be approved by the Provincial/State showjumping committee.
- The show holding body must use a recognized or training judge.
- The course must be designed by a recognized course builder or training course builder.
- The event must have a person present with a minimum of a first-aid certificate.
- The riders present need to be registered riders. It is usually free of charge. The same count for the horses
- No horse is allowed to compete in more than two classes per day
Each Provincial/State showjumping committee may differ with the rules. It is advisable to go through the rules of your country’s showjumping committee.
Affiliated vs non-affiliated Showjumping: Rider wear
Here are the main differences in rider wear between affiliated and non-affiliated showjumping competitions:
For a complete guide to showjumping wear, check out our article on “Showjumping Wear: Exactly What To Wear And Why!“
| Affiliated Showjumping Shows | Unaffiliated Showjumping Shows |
| White or Fawn colored breeches. | White, Fawn, beige, canary, or black colored breeches are allowed. There are no restrictions regarding breeches. |
| Long or short sleeve shirt with a white collar or choker. | Any shirt with a collar or choker is allowed. Golf shirts are also allowed. |
| A certified helmet with a three-point harness attachment is the only protective headgear allowed for all events. | Certified helmet with a three-point attachment harness is allowed as the only protective headgear allowed. |
| Show jackets that are neutral in color and can have the same or a different color collar. The ground jury may deem it optional to wear a jacket on very hot days. | There are no rules indicating the jackets that must be worn. Jackets are usually optional depending on the weather. |
Affiliated vs non-affiliated Showjumping: Tack
Here are the main differences in tack between affiliated and non-affiliated showjumping competitions:
| Affiliated Showjumping Shows | Unaffiliated Showjumping Shows |
| Numnahs can be square or fitted numnahs. The sponsorship logos must not exceed 200cm squared size on each side of the numnah. | Any color, shape, and size numnahs are allowed as well as any sized sponsorship logo. |
| Blinkers and fly masks are not permitted. Running martingales are allowed with only one stopper on each rein. Bitless bridles are allowed. Double bridles as well. The reins are attached directly to the bit or the bridle. | There are no restrictions on bridles unless deemed cruel or unnecessary. Bitless bridles are allowed. |
| Bits have no restrictions; however, the ground jury is allowed to ban unethical or unnecessary bits. | The same rules apply for the bits. |
| Proper fitting jumping Saddles must be used. | Proper fitting dressage saddles, pony pads, and GP saddles are sometimes used for recreational ride and riding school events. |
| Attachments: the stirrups must hang freely from the stirrup bars on top of the saddle flaps, and the rider must not be tied to the saddle in any way. Crops may not exceed 75cm in length and may not have a weighted end. | The same applied to the rider for the sake of safety with regards to the stirrups. Dressage crops are allowed for warming up. |
Affiliated vs non-affiliated Showjumping: Qualifying rounds and points
Here are the main differences in qualifying rounds and points between affiliated and non-affiliated showjumping competitions:
| Affiliated Showjumping Shows | Unaffiliated Showjumping Shows |
| Grading doesn’t start lower than 80cm high for all affiliated shows. | The classes can start at any height, usually from pole on the ground and upwards. |
| Pony riders up to and including 80cm do not need qualifying rounds and do not receive points. From 90cm up to 120cm, you need qualifying rounds to move up a level. | Pony riders can jump up to 90cm without the need for qualifying rounds and they do not receive points. |
| For Children, riders up to and including 90cm do not require qualifying rounds; from there and up to 120cm, the rider will receive points and only move up the levels when they attain points. | Children riders can jump higher than 90cm classes without the need for qualifying rounds or points. They will not receive any grading points. |
| Juniors are up to, and including 90cm, it is the same as for children’s except junior classes go up to 135cm. | Juniors riders can jump higher than 90cm classes without the need for qualifying rounds or points. They will not receive any grading points. |
| Adult classes are the same as for juniors; from 90cm and upwards, qualifying rounds are needed, and points are given. Adult classes go up to an open level, which is 150cm. | Unaffiliated shows for adults usually stop at 120cm as more serious competitors jump higher and tend to go to graded or Affiliated shows. |
| Affiliated shows must run their classes following their discipline associations and the FEI. Some classes are left out; for example, an open showjumping show will only have classes 135cm and upwards. | Non affiliated shows are also governed by basic rules from the specific discipline committee such as horse wellbeing, horse and rider safety, etc., but non-serious training shows usually have their own heights, classes, jumps, and programs. |
Top international riders in showjumping today
Here are the current top 3 riders in the world, not only do they have superb achievements individually but also in team events. The riders are ranked according to their graded show jumping points that they have collected while competing.
You can look them up and read their complete biographies on the FEI website here.
- Steve Guerdat. He is a Swedish rider currently standing at 3627 graded points. This ranks him as the number one rider internationally. Here are some of his top achievements: He has received Gold, silver, bronze, and placed medals in Olympics. AT the FEI World Equestrian Games, he received gold, silver, bronze, and placed. Up to date, he has had Starts: 3499 Wins: 176. He has ridden a total of 84 horses that were registered for Affiliated shows.
- Martin Fuchs. Another rider from Switzerland. He is currently ranked number two in the world with 3373 points. His top achievements include Gold and silver in the Olympics. FEI World Equestrian Games, he received Silver. Up to date, he has had Starts: 2447, Wins 176. He has ridden a total of 85 horses that were registered for Affiliated shows.
- Daniel Deusser. A German rider currently stands with 3307 points. This places him as the 3rd top rider. His top achievements are Bronze in the Olympics for teams and Silver in the Olympics for individuals. In the FEI World Equestrian Games placed. Up to date, he has had Starts 2885, wins 144. He has ridden a total of 95 horses registered for Affiliated shows.
Conclusion
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Affiliated Showjumping shows are Graded shows where a rider horse combination complete in showjumping shows to earn points and rank internationally, with the opportunity to eventually compete in the Olympic Games.
Unaffiliated shows are used as training shows or for non-serious competitors, where the horse and rider can compete at any level without the need for points, but they will not get national or international credit.
There are also many differences between affiliated and non-affiliated showjumping competitions in terms of rider wear, tack, and qualifying rounds and points, all of which we highlighted the main differences in this article.