If you're interested in jumping, you might be wondering about the different types of jumps used in both training and competitions. Each jump presents a unique challenge to the rider and horse, and understanding the different types of jumps is essential for success. We've put this jump primer article together to get you started.
Types of Stadium Jumps
Ground Poles
While not technically a “jump” ground poles can play a major role in introducing jumping to your horse, as well as for advanced horses ground work and part of jump set exercises. In it's basic form, a ground pole is exactly what it's name implies, a pole that you place on the ground. Starting with a single pole to get your horse used to picking his feet up and maneuvering over an obstacle is the very beginning of jump training. Advancing to lines of poles, poles placed on circles or serpentines, placement poles for getting correct distances to actual jumps, and even ground lines for your jumps. Ground poles are probably one of the most versatile, important, and overlooked, aspects of your jump training.
Cross Rail Jump
Cross rails are the next step up from a ground pole. They normally consist of a pair of simple standards with two jump poles. Each pole has one end placed in a jump cup on the upright and the other end placed on the ground close to the second upright, forming an “X” in between the two standards that the horse or pony jumps. This type of jump is a great first jump for both horse and rider. It's the least intimidating fence, and, by virtue of it's very design, it will keep the horse centered in the middle of the jump and less likely to run out in either direction.
Vertical Jumps
A vertical jump is a single fence with poles that are set in a straight line. The height of the fence can be adjusted, but the poles are always parallel to each other. This is a more challenging jump as the rider must keep the horse straight without the guidance a cross rail gives. They can also be taken at an angle, either on a straight line or after/before a corner or roll back.
Wing Jump
A wing jump doesn't refer to the part of the jump that is actually jumped over, but to the upright/standard/stanchion of the jump. Rather than a basic single pole upright , a wing is wider and usually has some sort of filler such as lattice or picket fencing. It makes a slightly more impressive and intimidating fence than a standard upright, yet at the same time affords a bit of psychological and physical guidance for a horse that may be prone to run out on the jump.
Oxer Jumps
An oxer jump consists of two vertical fences placed close together. There are a few types of oxers; square, rising or ascending, descending, round or hogs back, parallel, Swedish. A square oxer is as deep as it is high and pole front and rear poles are the same height. A rising oxer the front jump segment is placed at a lower height than the rear. This is the easiest type of oxer for your horse to jump. Hogs back oxers are three vertical jumps set together with the center one being higher than either the front or rear jump. A descending oxer has the second rail set lower than the front rail. Both hog back and descending oxers can be dangerous due to the “hidden” rear pole. With a swedish oxer the front rails will be set on a slope, so one side of jump cups is higher thn the other, and the rear set is on an opposite slope. In essence, it's an oxer cross rail.
Triple Bar Jumps
A triple bar jump is a fence with three poles that are set at a gradually increasing height. It's basically a three bar ascending oxer.
Conclusion
Now that you've learned about the different types of equestrian show jumps, you're ready to hit the arena and start practicing! Remember to always prioritize safety and start with basic jumps before moving on to more complex ones.
When it comes to choosing which jumps to include in your course, consider your horse's abilities and your own skill level. It's important to challenge yourself, but not at the expense of safety or confidence.
With dedication and practice, you can master these jumps and take your riding to the next level.
Comments