| Horse jumps are carefully designed for size, height and | | | | sharp pieces. A cross rail is a kind of upright fence |
| safety of materials. These jumps test the training and | | | | made with two poles meeting at the center in a cross. |
| expertise of both horse and rider in competitions. As | | | | This keeps the horse jumping in the center of the |
| this magnificent animal takes the jumps with rider | | | | jump. |
| 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 |
| Safety comes first, price comes second. Price is, of | | | | the most difficult for a horse to perform. |
| course, an important consideration. When you can buy | | | | Each jump needs to have about twelve feet between |
| from a company that guarantees its prices are lower | | | | it and the next jump. You could measure your own |
| than any other seller s, it is your first choice of where | | | | horse s strides as an alternative. Use a tape measure |
| to buy your jumping equipment. | | | | for accuracy. For a pony, use a distance of ten feet |
| The design and detailing of the jump equipment is | | | | between jumps. |
| crucial. Jumps are manufactured out of wood or PVC, | | | | It would be extremely dangerous to place a pole |
| which is a man made material. Many of the people | | | | behind a jump. This creates a false ground line that |
| who organize and run horse shows consider PVC | | | | confuses the horse. He will perceive the jump as being |
| superior to wood. The material is long lasting and unlike | | | | farther away than it is. His judgement of distance |
| wood, does not have to be brought in out of the rain. | | | | would create a danger as a result. |
| PVC is not affected by rain. | | | | The requirements for the size regulations in |
| The PVC material itself is more expensive to begin | | | | competitions are stringent. Planners of the shows want |
| with, but the manufacturing methods are superior to | | | | to add accessories that are aesthetically pleasing to |
| those used with wood. This keeps the price of the | | | | those spectators attending the event. You can buy |
| finished product lower. Therefore it is preferable. | | | | accessories such as extra rails, cups, wings and |
| The world of show horses and jumpers has a large | | | | flower boxes to make the ring a lovely place. Jumps |
| variety of show requirements such as sizes and kinds | | | | can be purchased in package deals or individually. |
| of jumps. Some are dressage shows, with horses | | | | Appearance is not of primary importance, but it does |
| who are trained to dance and take jumps of a | | | | add to the horse show experience. |
| particular kind. There are cross country trail | | | | Horse jumps provide the course for the jumping |
| competitions for Western horse shows. For the | | | | competition. Spectators love to watch the graceful |
| Western jumpers, the actual obstacles are those the | | | | jumps made by horses. They do not realize how |
| horse might find on a nature trail. | | | | difficult these jumps are. They might not know how |
| There are specifications for each type of jump. As a | | | | much training is involved to accomplish this feat. But, |
| beginner who wants to start with a few simple hurdles, | | | | the pleasure of watching their graceful maneuvers |
| you need to know some facts. You can set up your | | | | over the course is a wonderful thing. |
| first jumps. Check each piece of equipment for nails or | | | | |