Horse jumps are manufactured obstacles that horses have to clear. These obstacles can vary in size and shape depending on the discipline.
When you are ready to buy a horse, ask your instructor for a thorough vet check. Most instructors charge for this service – and it is worth the investment!
Look at the Poles
There’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of riding a horse over a jump. The horse and rider combine to convert the horse’s muscle shortening and forward momentum into upward thrust, soaring over the obstacle with ease. The horse’s ability to clear the jump is determined by its introductory biomechanics and many other variables.
The most straightforward jump is the vertical, consisting of long wooden poles that rest in cups attached to standards. These are a staple of both dressage and cross-country courses.
Oxers, which have two sets of verticals placed close together to add height and width, are another common type of jump. They can also be arranged in different ways to create challenges, such as the furthest pole higher (square oxer) or with the poles slanting in opposite directions to form an “X” (descending oxer).
Cavalettis is an excellent training tool that helps horses focus on their feet and develop rhythm and consistent striding. They can be built from tires, poles, or building blocks. For building wings and fillers for used horse jumps for sale, wooden barrels are a popular option found in nearby garages or scrap yards and on social media selling platforms.
Look at the Fence
One of the most exhilarating things about jumping is a horse and rider working in perfect unison, flying through the air, sharing the same goal of clearing the jump and getting to the other side. It requires much power from the horse and rider but also demands a high concentration level to avoid costly mistakes or heartbreaking falls.
All fantastic show jumpers possess two qualities. First, they can physically get their bodies up into the air. But they also have courage and a desire to be careful-reluctant to touch, or wallop, the fence.
It is why trainers should work on a horse’s pace and willingness to be careful. A horse should be able to take off at a distance that fits its stride-whether it’s closer for triple bars, further away for an oxer or vertical, and even longer for a sunken road (a combination of rails followed by a bank). These are all important to ensure the horse clears the obstacle without misstepping.
Look at the Paint
It is important to remember that while paint adds beauty and color, its primary function is as a weather protectant. Without it, wood would deteriorate in weeks or even days in most climates.
If a jump has been painted multiple times, or the paint is chipping or peeling, it is time to replace it. The same applies to the poles if they are rusty or otherwise damaged.
The best jumpers have great strength and coordination, but the exact combination of these qualities varies from horse to horse. Fantastic jumpers also strongly desire to be careful and avoid hurting themselves by touching, let alone wallopping, a rail. It is why it’s crucial to always listen to your instructor! They will know what is and isn’t safe for your horse. They will help you choose a horse that can manage the physical challenges of jumping and will compensate for any weaknesses.
Look at the Stairs
Some of the more difficult show jumps have stairs that the horse must navigate. It can be incredibly challenging for horses prone to spookiness or a history of lameness in the front limbs. This type of obstacle is often called a table and can be wide at the upper levels.
A bank is usually made of natural or manufactured steps, and it may be in the form of a series of steep slopes or a set of rounded banks. It may also be an element of a combination fence.
To make a schooling standard, you need two vertical poles, a crossbar, and feet to support the poles. You can buy all the materials at a home improvement store, and you don’t need to be a carpenter to build them yourself. Avoid using PVC pipes as poles; they can harm your horse if they break. Instead, use wooden posts that have been treated to be weather-resistant and sturdy enough for the job.
