Showjumping is an equestrian (horsey) sport. What you do is you ride your horse over fences, to make a "course". The object of showjumping is to get over the fence without any faults, refusals, falls. Faults are when you knock down a pole. The consequence is either 4 "faults" or 7 seconds added to your time if you are in a speed class. Refusals are when your horse stops in front of a fence. When you get 3 refusals you are elimanated, which means you cannot finish the course. A fall is when the rider falls or the horses shoulders and/or hindquarters touch the ground. If you or your horse falls, you are elimanated.
Basically anyone can get "into" showjumping, although you cannot jump unless you have some riding background. (Just need to be able to walk, halt and trot confidently basically.) Then, you can begin to jump. If you are in a lesson program which includes jumping, your instructor will teach you how to jump when you are ready. Now, ask your instructor if there are any local shows in which there are divisions suitable for you to enter. If so, you're in luck. Also, "Pony Club", which is a club with many horsey activities to do, hold many jumper shows and local shows that are good to compete in. I myself am in Pony Club and it's a magnificent learning experience. Also, there are Trillium and "rated" shows. There are different levels, but these are basically for the "More Than Beginner Jumper" riders. They are qualifiers for even bigger shows.
Hmmm. I don't have a horse of MY own, but where I ride we are loaned horses to ride for shows and lessons. Many stables offer this, and it's a great idea, because owning a horse takes alot of money and work! (just being a working student at a barn is enough work for me!) Of course, it usually costs more than to show your own horse, because you need to pay for trailering and of course, renting the horse or pony! Another idea, is, if you have enough money(it's not usually TOO expensive) is to lease a horse. That's when you don't own a horse, but you take care of it, ride it, etc. This is also a good idea for anyone who is thinking about getting their own horse!