Show jumping is a highly demanding sport requiring high physical output and excellent balance. This makes it necessary to invest in the best quality horse jumps and arena footing.
Plastic horse jumps are an affordable option that offers many benefits compared to traditional wood ones. They can absorb shock and break away if horses collide, making them safer for the animal.
Durability
Durable horse jumps are essential for equestrian competitions. A quality plastic jump can withstand the rigorous demands of competitive riding while still looking good.
Safety is another critical consideration when choosing horse jumps. Many plastic jumps are designed to break down or collapse if your horse hits them, reducing the risk of injury.
Avoid using barrels as standards, as they can get entangled around a horse’s legs or catch a foot. Also, never use wooden picnic tables or folding chairs as standards, as they can pierce the hooves of your equine partner.
A safety release cup is the best way to ensure your horse jumps are safe. These cups are made to drop a rail under a certain weight pressure. They are available in different depths, with a more bottomless cup often used for hunter fences.
Eco-Friendly
The equestrian industry has an array of options for horse jump equipment. Each type of horse jump has a unique application, and riders should choose comfortable tack for them and their horses.
Unlike traditional wooden jumps, plastic jumps are eco-friendly and can be used repeatedly without breaking down or deteriorating. This makes them an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor training applications.
This durable and versatile horse jump kit includes wing standards, training standards, brush boxes, vinyl walls, and jump cups. It also has a breastplate, which helps prevent saddle slippage during jumps. This equipment is an excellent choice for riders who want to train their horses in any weather condition.
Versatility
A quality horse jump is a versatile training tool that can be used for various purposes. It can be used for show jumping practice, cavalletti exercise, or grid work. It can also be used as a guide pole to improve rider straightness.
This equipment is crucial for equestrians and allows them to develop their horses’ balance, confidence, timing, and more. It also helps them become more experienced in competitive equestrian riding settings and styles.
Having the right tack, including breeches and gloves, is also essential. These help riders keep their hands protected from blisters and calluses.
Affordability
Horse jumps are an essential piece of training equipment for every rider. They can help develop balance, confidence, and timing. However, the price of these pieces of equipment can vary between owners.
Luckily, there are affordable options available to train on. For example, plastic horse jumps are more affordable than traditional wood jumps. In addition, they can withstand weather conditions and are less likely to splinter if damaged. Moreover, they’re also easy to set up and store, making them an ideal indoor and outdoor training option.
Safety
Quality plastic horse jumps are a safe option for both horses and riders. They’re lightweight and designed to break away or collapse in the event of a collision, which reduces your risk of injury.
You can make your homemade horse jumps using lumber or limbs from a tree, but you’ll need to remove any branches that could puncture your horse’s legs. You’ll also need a power drill and a pencil for markings.
For a safer alternative, try Polepods from the UK. These rounded blocks have built-in shallow jump cups on top. The molded plastic is less likely to cause lacerations than metal cups.
Ease of Setup and Storage
Few equestrian sports are as fun and challenging as jumping. However, the equipment used for these events can be crazy expensive.
Show jumps are a great way to familiarize horses with obstacles encountered in competition. This helps them become desensitized to these obstacles and can improve their performance in competition by making them feel more comfortable.
Set two posts six ft. apart and place jump cups in each to make a standard show jump. Then, paint the wooden surfaces with white exterior house paint. The paint adds a polished look to the jump, protecting it from weather damage.
