Steeplechase Racing

In the long tradition of horse sports, racing events have been divided into flat races and jumps races. The steeplechase is a jumps race that originates from early cross-country hunting where horses would encounter natural jumps and obstacles that they jumped over at top speeds. Today, steeplechasing is a competitive equestrian discipline.

History

Steeplechasing is rumoured to have started as a bet between two Irishmen in 1752. In County Cork, Ireland, Cornelius O’Callaghan and Edmund Blake raced 6km over the countryside. The race went from Buttevant Church to St. Leger Church, hence the name steeplechase. The one-on-one cross country style race spread to England after that. In 1792, England held its first race involving more than two horses. In the thirteen km race, three horses raced across the countryside. A few years later, in 1810, a course was established for a jumping race in England. The sport was nationalized in 1839 with the first Grand National competition.

Steeplechase Format

In modern steeple-chasing, horses compete in a race while galloping and jumping over fences. Thoroughbred horses typically compete in steeplechasing. The jumps used in steeplechasing are sometimes made of natural materials and sometimes man-made materials. Some races have jumps make of timbers, while others are made of steel, plastic, foam and even natural hedges. The height of the jumps vary in different steeplechase associations, but the highest jumps are typically about 153cm.

Steeplechase races are generally 3-6. km long. There are two varieties of steeple chasing: brush racing and timber racing. Brush races take place over courses using hedges. Timber races feature jumps made out of wood. Brush races are generally safer for the horses as the jump materials are more giving to reduce the amount of injuries sustained by the horses.

Thoroughbred Horses

The horses used in steeplechasing are Thoroughbred horses. Typically, steeplechase horses are older than flat racing horses. Some horses begin with flat racing at age two and then transition to steeplechase at age three. Perfect steeplechase horses are typically very athletic and fast and have great endurance. Many professional racers seek horses with strong blood-lines and a history of winning in their lineage.

Thoroughbreds descend from three sires, the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and then Byerly Turk. Today, all Thoroughbred horses are registered with the Jockey Club to maintain proper lineage. In order to simplify the age qualification process, Thoroughbred ponies are officially dubbed yearlings on January 1, in the year of their birth. Thoroughbred horses are eligible to race at age two, although steeplechasing horses are generally older and race longer.

The naming of thoroughbred horses is governed by the Jockey Club. Owners may submit proposals for names but horses intended for competition have name specifications.

The Thoroughbreds of steeplechase racing have much more longevity in their sport than flat racers. Steeplechase horses can still compete into their tenth year, and often do. The reason for this is that the steeplechase season is shorter than the flat racing season. Horses only race five to ten times during the season. In the long off-season, steeplechase horses enjoy a life of freedom and relaxation in the pastures.

Tack and Equipment

The equipment used in steeplechase is similar to that used in other equestrian sports. The horses use saddles, reins and bridles. Saddles need to be lightweight to increase speed and should be kept in place to avoid slipping on the high jumps. Horses are fitted with protective boots for the jumps. Typically, steeplechase horses will use snaffle bits or ring bits. Snaffle bits are used for lateral control and are direct guides of the horse’s head. Ring bits are ring shapes and rest around the lower part of the horse’s mouth.

The jockeys in steeplechasing wear tall riding boots typical of established equestrian disciplines. In addition, the riders will wear protective vests. Riders will wear goggles for protective eyewear and helmets for safety.

Jockeys

The jockeys in horse-racing are slightly different than those in flat racing. Steeplechase jockeys are generally not as small as flat racing jockeys. The minimum weight requirements are generally higher for the steeplechase. Both men and women can participate in steeplechase racing and a few women have historically been successful in the sport. Many steeplechase jockeys are horse enthusiasts rather than professional riders.

Historically, steeple chasing has attracted the interest of those in the top tiers of society. From royalty in England to influential families in the United States, steeplechasing is certainly one of the fine equestrian disciplines.

Horse Safety

One of the most important considerations in steeplechase racing is the safety of the horse. Veterinary examinations take place before each race. The veterinarians check he soundness of the horse, which involves careful examination. Any horse that is deemed unfit to compete is removed from the competition.

Jumps Racing in Australia

In Australia, steeplechase racing is in serious opposition. Most states have phased out or are in the process of phasing out jumps racing on account of the danger. Animal protection groups across Australia have called for the ceasing of jumps racing due to the increasing rate of horse deaths.

In the Victoria jumps racing leagues, 12 horses died at jumps competitions in 2008. Changes were made to improve safety regulations at that point. However, in the following year, 8 horses died. After the death toll continued, the racing league in Victoria made a decision to approve a one year steeplechase program for the 2011 season. The future of jumps racing in Australia will be determined by this season. New regulations for the league include improving the sight lines of obstacles and the positioning of the wings on the jumps, improving trail facilities at training locations as some of the horse deaths did take place during trials, reviewing the program and reviewing the racing venues best suited for steeplechase racing.

Though the future of steeplechasing remains uncertain in Australia, it is still a prominent sporting event in Britain, Ireland, Canada, France and the United States. The sport invites spectators to lush countrysides to watch the exciting spectacle as the finest horses in the world perform athletic jumps at astonishing speeds. In the future, if safety regulations are improved, there may still be steeplechasing in Australia. It is a sport to be enjoyed by horse, rider and spectator with its origins in the beautiful pastures of Ireland.