Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup

Here is the basic backgrounder to understanding the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup!

Who Competes in the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup?

Answer: Invited riders were chosen based on the United States Equestrian Federation’s International Ranking List dated September 16, 2005. The Organizing Committee of the Syracuse Invitational chose twenty of the highest ranked riders from this list and in addition, five of the top ranked International Riders based on the International Equestrian Federation’s Ranking List. The Organizing Committee also filled five wildcard spots at their discretion. Invited riders compete in six select showjumping events or classes during the Syracuse Invitational. Those six riders with the most points earned in these six classes plus the one winner of the Budweiser World Cup Qualifier compete in the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup.  The best of the best.

What are the Phases of Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup?

Answer: Phase 1 is a one round speed competition.  The rider with the fastest time and the least penalties is the winner of this phase.  The score is the time in seconds plus each knockdown or refusal adds 4 seconds or penalty points to the time.

Phase 2 is a power jumping competition over four jumps in a row called “four bar”.  The jumps are raised higher and higher over a maximum of four rounds. The last jump is the highest and can reach a height of over six feet.  If a competitor knocks down or refuses a jump - penalty points are added to the score and the rider does not move to the next round.

Penalty points incurred are lower as the jumps get higher.

Penalty points:
Round 1 - 8 points
Round 2 -  6 points
Round 3 - 4 points
Round 4 - 2 points

Phase 3 is a one round competition with 14 jumps where speed, power and agility are required. Four penalty points are scored for a knockdown or a refusal.  Penalty points are also incurred for exceeding the set time allowed.  If there is a tie in Phase 3, the fastest time wins so speed could be an important factor.

Why Does Each Rider Need to Declare Two Horses?

Answer: The Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup is a unique and very challenging event in the world of competitive showjumping.  It tests the speed, power and agility of the horses in a special three phase event on a single day.  In order to compete in this three phase competition in one day the rider will need to use two horses.  Riders will typically have a “speed” horse that is fast and careful and a different horse for the higher, more technical jumping courses that require more power and agility.

How is a Winner of Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup Determined?

Answer: The winner has the lowest total score for the three phases of the competition.  Scores are based on a combination of speed and penalties.  The phases are designed to challenge different jumping and speed skills.  A rider uses one horse in each phase of the competition, two horses total.

Why Did the Name of the Event Change from the Syracuse Seven Cup to the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup?

Answer: Animal Planet became a title sponsor in 2005. Animal Planet wants to celebrate the unique and incredible abilities of the showjumping sporthorse. The name reflects our enthusiasm and commitment to this event.