Jumping is a sport that has been around for centuries. It is thought that the first horse jumping competition took place in England in the 12th century. The sport has evolved over time and remains popular today as a competitive event that tests horse and rider’s ability to navigate a course of fences in the fastest time. There are many different types of jumps in the world of horse jumping, each with their own rules and regulations. Understanding these will help you decide on which type of event you would like to compete in. Here we explore some of the most popular types of jumps:- Endurance fences - These are made primarily for novice horse jumpers and are generally lower in height than other types of fences.- Open fences - These are sometimes called ‘big open jumps’ and are generally between 1.20 and 1.30 meters tall. They are also commonly referred to as ‘Standard Open Jumps’ or ‘Grade 1’.- Steeple - This type of jump is higher in height than open fences, but only by a few inches. Steeple jumps are usually between 1.40 and 1.50 meters tall.- Cross-country - Cross country jumps have been growing in popularity over the last few decades. These are generally lower in height than other types of jumps and are designed to be easily navigated by riders on a trail.- Barrel - Barrels are another type of jump that has grown in popularity in recent years. They are usually between 1.30 and 1.40 meters tall and can also be made of wood, plastic or metal.
Endurance Fences
Endurance fences are generally used for training and do not have time limits of any kind. They are frequently used as a warm-up exercise and are built at a lower height than other jumps. The main difference between an endurance fence and a normal jump is that an endurance fence is not timed and does not have a maximum height. Endurance fences are generally no more than 1.30 meters high. They are often made from wooden posts with no crossbars or wires. This type of jump is used for dressage, show-jumping and other types of competition where the horse does not need to jump as high as a normal jump.
Standard Open Jumps
Standard open jumps are one of the most common types of jump used in horse shows. They are usually between 1.30 and 1.60 meters tall and consist of a crossbar and two vertical posts. The cross bars of standard open jumps are usually made of wood and may or may not be connected by a rail. Although there are variations in the design of standard open jumps, they are used in many different types of competition.
Steeple Jumps
Steeple jumps are similar to standard open jumps, but usually have a higher jump height. Steeple jumps are generally between 1.50 and 1.70 meters tall and are usually made with wooden posts and two crossbars. Steeple jumps are used in many different types of jumping competitions, including open jumping, show jumping, park jumping and team jumping.
Cross-country Jumps
Cross country jumps are designed to be ridden over a trail. They are usually between 1.30 and 1.50 meters tall and are usually made of wooden posts with two crossbars. Cross country jumps are used in show jumping, eventing and other competitions that take place on a trail.
Barrels
Barrels are another type of jump that is common in cross-country competition. Barrels are usually between 1.30 and 1.50 meters tall and are usually made of wood or plastic. They are designed to be jumped from behind a horse. Barrels are rarely jumped from the side as the horse needs to be positioned exactly in the middle of the jump.
Conclusion
Jumping is a great way to experience the world of horseback riding and also has an extremely long history. There are many different types of jumps in the world of horse jumping, each with their own rules and regulations. Understanding these will help you decide on which type of event you would like to compete in. If you are interested in competing in a horse jumping event, it would be a good idea to choose a type of jump you are comfortable jumping from the beginning of your riding experience.