What Equipment Is Needed for Horse Jumping?

Horse jumping is an equestrian sporting event where a horse and the rider gallop and jump through a jump course. The sport displays the agility and skills of the horse and rider for friendly games or competition. To participate in horse jumping you must have the essential equipment for training, as well as special riding equipment to keep the rider safe.

  1. The Jump

    • In horse jumping, the jump is the structure that the horses jump over in training and competition. Jumps can be made out of a variety of materials, from PVC pipes to wood. Some jumps are decorated for a theme, such as cross-country jumps, which are made to look like tree logs and bridges. Water jumps are inflatable pools of water that the horse and rider train to jump over. Jump walls look like brick or stone walls. Jumps come in different heights, and multiple jumps can be placed in a row to give the horse and rider more distance in their jump.

    Flags and Markers

    • In show jumping, flags and markers are needed to let the riders, judges and spectators know which jump the horse and rider completed successfully. Flags and markers are attached to the jump structure itself in a conspicuous place. Directional markers that look like arrows are used to point the rider in the direction of the next jump.

    Jumping Saddle

    • Jumping saddles are specially designed for riders who will be participating in horse jumping. They provide a different distribution of weight than standard saddles to give additional balance to the rider, which is crucial to prevent the rider from falling off the horse. Jumping saddles are a little wider than standard riding saddles and provide comfort so that the rider does not have to alter position between jumps. These saddles also offer more padding, which serves as protection to the rider's seat.

    Obstacle Course Cones

    • Obstacle course cones provide the route for the rider and the horse, so that they do not travel off course during a show jump competition. The cones act as guides, and they also serve as markers for the start and end points of a jump course.