banner

The Ultimate Guide to Horse Show Jumping

2025-04-23

Author By Hope Horse

Ultimate Show Jumping Guide

Show jumping requires a high degree of skill, precision and trust between rider and horse. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, this comprehensive guide will help you understand all the basics of show jumping, including key content such as different types of obstacle jumps, equestrian equipment purchase advice, equestrian venue layout tips, etc.

What is Horse Show Jumping?

Show jumping, also known as "show jumping" or "field jumping", is a timed horse riding competition. It is also an exciting and easy-to-understand equestrian competition event, so it is widely popular with spectators and riders. Riders and horses must jump over a series of obstacles on a specified route within a specified time, including vertical obstacles, stretch obstacles (Oxer), water obstacles (Water Jump), double combination obstacles and triple combination obstacles. The goal is to complete the competition without knocking down any obstacles. The height, width and design of the obstacles are set according to the level of the competition. The higher the level of the competition, the more complex the competition.

Basics of Equestrian Jumping

Venue

Equestrian jumping competitions are usually held in standard indoor or outdoor equestrian venues. The venue is usually rectangular, about 60 meters x 40 meters, and the specific size can be adjusted according to the competition situation.

Obstacles

The track consists of a series of obstacles, including single crossbar obstacles (vertical obstacles), double hurdle jumps, triple obstacles (Triple Bar), water jumps (Liverpool), etc. Each obstacle is designed to test the obstacle jumping ability of riders and horses.

Timing and Penalties

The competition is based on a timing system. Knocking down the hurdles (4 points), refusing to jump (4 points) or exceeding the time limit will result in penalties. Three refusals to jump or falls will result in elimination.

Obstacle Forms



Cross Pole

Suitable for children or beginners to warm up.



Verticals

The most basic obstacle form, suitable for beginners to intermediate competitions.


Oxer

The challenge of increasing the width of the jump helps to improve the horse's span and stability.



Triple Bar

Three horizontal bars gradually rise, often used in advanced competitions.


Combination Jump

Multiple obstacles are closely arranged, testing horsemanship coordination and pace control.


Water Tray / Liverpool

Tests the horse's long jump ability and courage.

Fan Fence

Requires accurate angle judgment.


Wall Fence

Realistic appearance, requires the horse to have confidence and jumping ability.


Key elements of equestrian obstacle competitions

Horses

Breeds

Holstein horses, Dutch Warmblood horses, Belgian Warmblood horses, etc. are often used in obstacle jumping competitions because of their excellent jumping ability.

Training

Jumping horse training should include basic equestrianism and flat control training to enhance physical fitness and concentration.


Riders

Posture

Good riding posture is required, such as heel pressure, knees slightly bent, hands steady, etc.

Timing and communication

Accurately judge the timing of jumping, and complete clear communication with the horse through reins and leg movements.


Levels of Equestrian Jumping

Beginner Jumping Course

The obstacle height is about 60cm to 1m, suitable for beginners.


Intermediate Competition

The obstacle height is 1.10m to 1.20m, and the rider and horse need to have certain skills and coordination.


Advanced/Grand Prix Jumping

The obstacle height can reach 1.60m, which is a high-level event in equestrian competitions.


International Jumping (FEI Jumping)

Such as the FEI World Cup and the Olympic Games, which gather the world's top riders and the track is extremely challenging.


Jumping Equipment (Equestrian Equipment) Needed for Daily Training

Jumping Poles

Mostly made of wood or plastic, with adjustable height for training different levels.


Plastic + Wood PoleWooden Pole


Vertical Jumps

Used for basic stability training.


Double Fence

Improve agility and coordination.

Triple Bar

Enhance rhythm and distance control ability.

Water Jump

Challenges long jump techniques.


Axe Jumps

Helps horses cope with complex jumps.


Oxers

Improve span and explosive power.


Jump Standards

Supports obstacle adjustment and improves training flexibility.


How to choose the right obstacle according to the characteristics of the horse


Beginners and young horses can start with cross obstacles and low vertical obstacles and gradually build confidence in jumping.


Experienced horses can challenge more complex structures such as triple obstacles, Liverpool combinations, and fan obstacles.


The transition from training to competition needs to simulate the layout of equestrian obstacles in real events. Reasonable layout can improve jumping performance and decision-making ability. It is recommended to gradually increase the number, difficulty, angle and distance of obstacles from simple jumps.


Choose high-quality obstacle equipment: safety and durability are crucial

High-quality obstacle equipment can ensure the safety and stability of horses. When choosing, you should pay attention to its stability, adjustability and durability.

The high-quality obstacle equipment we provide includes:

Adjustable height obstacles:suitable for multi-stage training.

European design obstacles: meet international equestrian obstacle competition standards.

Multi-functional hurdles: suitable for training and formal competitions, challenging all aspects.


Our Project




Conclusion: Create an ideal obstacle jumping training and competition environment

In equestrian obstacle competitions, good jumping equipment not only ensures the safety of horses, but also helps the riders grow in skills. By carefully configuring obstacle equipment and training facilities, you can help horses gradually break through obstacles and challenge their limits.

Choose our high-quality and professional obstacle equipment and customize the jumping road for you and your horse! 

Welcome to contact us for product details or professional consultation. Whether it is training or formal competitions, we provide you with first-class equestrian equipment and support.



AJ01AJ02AJ03