| Horse jumps are carefully designed for size, height and | | | | of the jump apparatus, you might start with a cross rail |
| safety of materials. These jumps test the training and | | | | fence. It has two poles that meet in the center in the |
| expertise of both horse and rider in competitions. As | | | | shape of a cross. This guides the animal to center his |
| this magnificent animal takes the jumps with rider | | | | body as he approaches the hurdle. |
| leaning forward placing her weight in the most | | | | Setting up a pyramid jump and oxer jump or any |
| advantageous way. Both need to know the jumps are | | | | combinations requires carefully measuring the height as |
| safe. By purchasing from a well known manufacturer, | | | | well as the distance between jumps when there is a |
| they are assured. | | | | combination two or three in a row. An upright fence is |
| In addition to safety, the cost of the jumps and | | | | the most difficult for a horse to perform. |
| accessories are important. Some companies | | | | Each jump needs to have about twelve feet between |
| guarantee a low price and will meet or beat their | | | | it and the next jump. You could measure your own |
| competition s prices. As long as the buyer gets the | | | | horse s strides as an alternative. Use a tape measure |
| same quality, of course he is delighted to pay less. | | | | for accuracy. For a pony, use a distance of ten feet |
| It is of the utmost importance to buy quality equipment. | | | | between jumps. |
| Wood or PVC, a man made type of plastic material, is | | | | It is crucial that you do not place a pole behind a jump. |
| used to build the jumps. Horse show planners consider | | | | It creates a false ground line. That will make the horse |
| PVC superior in many ways. It cannot rot like wood. It | | | | perceive the jump to be further back than it actually is. |
| is long lasting and can be left out in inclement weather. | | | | Of course this will throw off his judgement creating a |
| It is very durable. | | | | dangerous situation. |
| The PVC material itself is more expensive to begin | | | | The jumps over open water are required to meet |
| with, but the manufacturing methods are superior to | | | | certain size requirements in a show. Jumps can be |
| those used with wood. This keeps the price of the | | | | individually purchased or bought as a package deal |
| finished product lower. Therefore it is preferable. | | | | with everything needed for one complete jump or one |
| As in any other industry, there are a large number of | | | | complete competition course. Accessories are |
| types of jumps. Some are cavalletti, which are used | | | | available as single purchases and include extras such |
| for dressage exhibitions. Cross Country comes in a | | | | as flower boxes to make the course more attractive |
| large variety of types including natural looking logs and | | | | to the audience. Appearance is not nearly as important |
| pools for water for the horses to jump over. The | | | | as safety, but it does add to the enjoyment of the |
| Western jumps include situations that might be | | | | spectators. |
| encountered on a natural wood trail. | | | | Horse jumps provide the course for the jumping |
| Each jump has required sizes, heights and patterns in | | | | competition. Spectators love to watch the graceful |
| the show ring. If you are a new rider who wants to try | | | | jumps made by horses. They do not realize how |
| a few jumps that are not too difficult, you need to be | | | | difficult these jumps are. They might not know how |
| careful about how you set them up. First and | | | | much training is involved to accomplish this feat. But, |
| foremost, if making your own jumps, be sure there are | | | | the pleasure of watching their graceful maneuvers |
| no nail or sharp points on the material you use. Try | | | | over the course is a wonderful thing. |
| lower jumps. To train your horse to jump in the center | | | | |