The Safest Types of Jumps to Use with Horses

Horse-jumping, such as hunter or cross-country, is inherently risky, but risk can be reduced by planning for scenarios in which the horse hits the jump or a rider falls on one. Jumps typically have two upright poles, called standards, that hold adjustable poles or gates that rest in cups attached to the standards. The material used for jumps is more of a safety issue than an aesthetic one.

  1. Reinforced Plastic

    • Jumps made of a reinforced plastic material are safer for horse and rider if a mishap occurs.

      The poles -- or rails -- that fit into the jump cups are commonly made of a resilient plastic such as polymer or PVC. This material is easier on the horse if he bumps or completely misses the jump, and is not as likely to cut or bruise the horse's legs or feet. It is also easier on the rider in the event of a fall, particularly if the entire jump, including standards and jump cups, is made of plastic. Plastic is usually easier to maintain and will not rot. Plastic rails are more likely to break away and fall out of the jump cups rather than split, reducing the risk of injury to horse and rider.

    Wood

    • Some riders and trainers prefer wooden jumps, believing that if a horse hits the sturdier wood rail, it will cause slightly more discomfort and thus encourage him to pick his feet up higher over the jump. Wooden rails are not unsafe, but make sure the horse is capable of clearing the jump height so he does not continually hit the rail and get injured. Wood also requires more maintenance and should be checked frequently for splinters, rot and other signs of weakness.

    Immovable Objects

    • Immovable jumps are more dangerous to horse and rider.

      The safest jump is a jump that will "give," or move, if a horse misses it. Most arena or stadium jumps have rails or gates suspended in jump cups and will easily roll or be knocked out of the cups if the horse hits them. Decorative walls placed between the standards are also made of lightweight material that will fall upon impact. Barrels are fairly common, and will move if bumped. Cross-country courses pose different challenges; the jumps are usually more rigid or completely immovable. However, eventing course designers are becoming more sensitive to the hazards of immovable jumps and some are designing their jumps accordingly. More serious cross-country jumpers can purchase "logs" made of material meant to absorb impact when hit.

    Other Considerations

    • Painting jumps bright colors helps the horse see them.

      All parts of the jump, including the jump cups, should be free of rust or sharp edges and corners. Painting the jumps bright colors helps the horse see them, and exposing the horse to different colors is good training. The more different items horses encounter, the less likely they are to refuse a new jump in any scenario, reducing the chances of injury to both horse and rider.