| Horse jumps are designed and set up to test the | | | | sharp pieces. A cross rail is a kind of upright fence |
| abilities of both horse and rider. When your magnificent | | | | made with two poles meeting at the center in a cross. |
| steed approaches his jumps, you want to know that | | | | This keeps the horse jumping in the center of the |
| he is going to safely clear it, and that you are going to | | | | jump. |
| ride him safely over the jump. Safety is assured (as | | | | There are oxer jumps and pyramid jumps and an |
| much as possible) when you buy the jumping | | | | endless number of combination jumps. All require |
| equipment from a reliable company. Safety is primary. | | | | careful measurements be taken. The height is |
| After safety concerns, price is important. A company | | | | important and the distance between jumps is crucial. |
| may guarantee that his company s equipment is sold | | | | Generally speaking, allow twelve feet between jumps |
| to you at the lowest price. This includes costing less | | | | for a horse, and ten feet for a pony. |
| than any other manufacturer charges for similar quality | | | | Jumps require twelve feet between them for a horse |
| jumping equipment. | | | | and ten feet for a pony. You can also, as an |
| The design and detailing of the jump equipment is | | | | alternative, measure your own horse\'s stride for |
| crucial. Jumps are manufactured out of wood or PVC, | | | | perfect distancing. A simple tape measure will suffice |
| which is a man made material. Many of the people | | | | to measure the distances. |
| who organize and run horse shows consider PVC | | | | Never place a pole behind any jump. This will confuse |
| superior to wood. The material is long lasting and unlike | | | | your horse greatly. By creating a false ground line, it |
| wood, does not have to be brought in out of the rain. | | | | makes the horse see the jump as being further back |
| PVC is not affected by rain. | | | | than it is. The judgement of the horse is crucial to |
| Although PVC is more expensive than wood, new | | | | avoid jumping being a dangerous activity. |
| computerized methods of producing horse jumps | | | | The jumps over open water are required to meet |
| keeps the price of PVC jumps in line with the cost of | | | | certain size requirements in a show. Jumps can be |
| wood jumps. It can now be sold for less than wood | | | | individually purchased or bought as a package deal |
| jumps. | | | | with everything needed for one complete jump or one |
| The world of show horses and jumpers has a large | | | | complete competition course. Accessories are |
| variety of show requirements such as sizes and kinds | | | | available as single purchases and include extras such |
| of jumps. Some are dressage shows, with horses | | | | as flower boxes to make the course more attractive |
| who are trained to dance and take jumps of a | | | | to the audience. Appearance is not nearly as important |
| particular kind. There are cross country trail | | | | as safety, but it does add to the enjoyment of the |
| competitions for Western horse shows. For the | | | | spectators. |
| Western jumpers, the actual obstacles are those the | | | | Horse jumps bring joy to the people watching these |
| horse might find on a nature trail. | | | | magnificent equine competitions. They may or may not |
| There are specifications for each type of jump. As a | | | | appreciate the work and training behind the acquired |
| beginner who wants to start with a few simple hurdles, | | | | skills, but they certainly derive pleasure from watching |
| you need to know some facts. You can set up your | | | | how gracefully they do it. The beauty of the horses is |
| first jumps. Check each piece of equipment for nails or | | | | enhanced by an attractive show ring as well. |