In the 18th century, the cavalry in Europe developed many training exercises, some of which the Irish formulated into a competitive event, which was fist held in Dublin, Ireland in 1868. These competitions were referred to as the "high leap" and the "wide leap".

Show jumping is competitive precision riding over a set course of obstacles, which although perhaps solid in appearance, are easily knocked down. Each knock or refusal incurs penalties, which are marked against the competitor. The winner is the rider who can jump the course clear, and then jump at least part of it again, raised and this time against the clock, to be clear and faster than any other rider.

Show jumping is a sport that caters for young and old, where boys and girls, and men and women compete against each other. Both novice and experienced riders take part in show jumping competitions country wide on most weekends.

The discipline SHOW JUMPING is a FEI (Federation Equestré Internationale) discipline, managed by SANEF (South African National Equestrian Federation) who is a member of the SAEC (South African Equestrian Council).