The term horse jumps, which is sometimes just shortened to jumps, refers to the various obstacles that a horse and its rider must overcome when competing in the sport of horse jumping. During different events of the competition, these hurdles are brought into a chosen environment, set up and placed to establish the shape of a course. Competitors must follow this route as they compete.

Types of Horse Jumps

Jumps come in many different styles in addition to being constructed of a wide variety of materials. Exactly where or when spectators see certain horse jump colors, shapes and structures depends on which branch of horse jumping they are viewing.

Showjumping events, for example, usually have obstacles made of brightly colored and elaborately shaped poles and pole-holders, which are otherwise known as wings. In the hunter and cross-country branches, the jumps resemble objects that wouldn’t look out of place in a rural area. Examples of these include logs, fences and walls. 

However, there is one feature that is commonly found across most kinds of horse jumps. Certain parts of them are made to fall down or break away when disturbed. Poles, for example, can fall off their wings if a horse crashes into or on top of them. This design aspect is mostly included to prevent injuring any animals, but it also makes it easy for spectators and judges to spot mistakes. 

Places To View Horse Jumps

You can see horse jumps in many locations. Of course, equestrian sports arenas, where jumping and other similar events are held, should have large collections. You are also likely to find horse jumps on private ranches and properties. High-ranking jockeys may often have a collection of different obstacles so they can practice with their horses.

Horse-related visual media, such as movies, television shows, video games and artworks, are also possible places to see horse jumps in action.