Pronounced "gron pree", the term translates from the French as "big prize". The wine-and-roses event of the National Western, the total prize money is more than $40,000, which draws the top horses and riders from across North America.
Grand Prix
jumping requires absolute cooperation and teamwork between horse and rider.
It takes a special animal and a special person to compete at this level
of competition. You will not see any better show jumping competition than
the National Western Grand Prix Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Events Center.
Each
competitor jumps one round over a course of 10 to 14 jumps from 4-feet
6-inches in height and higher. The top horses accumulating the least number
of faults are required to jump a second round over a course of eight to
12 jumps. Spreads in all jumps range from five to six feet.
Final scores
are determined by adding the total faults incurred in both rounds and
adding any penalties for exceeding the time allowed in either or both
rounds. In the event of a tie for first place, a jump-off will occur,
with time deciding the winner should there be another tie.
Tickets start at $22, with premium seats at $24. Ticket prices also include grounds admission
for that day.
(Exhibitors may visit the Exhibitor Premium Book page for entry information)