A Guide to Types of Horse Jumps and Obstacles

Horse jumps are an essential part of equestrian sports, and understanding the different types can help you navigate courses with ease.

Vertical jumps are the most common type, typically consisting of a single bar or a series of bars at varying heights.

Horizontal jumps, on the other hand, are obstacles that require horses to change direction quickly, such as a narrow gate or a series of cones.

A Swedish oxer is a type of oxer with poles set diagonally to create a cross rail looking fence that's suspended in the air. This fence creates an X shape with diagonal poles angled one way and the other.

Vertical jumps are a common type of horse jump, requiring precision and technique from both the horse and the rider. They can be found on show jumping courses.

Oxer jumps, including the Swedish oxer, are also a staple on show jumping courses, often featuring a wide, deep ditch that the horse must jump across.

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In a water show, horses face a unique challenge that requires skill and bravery. The water jump is a distinctive obstacle in show jumping, featuring a pool of water that the horse must navigate through or over.

There are two types of water jumps used in show jumping: Open Water and Liverpool. Open Water is a large, rectangular-shaped "ditch" of water, often with a small brush or rail on one side to act as a ground line.

Horses should approach Open Water strongly, with a long stride, and riders must judge the take-off to put the horse as deep as possible to the obstacle. This helps reduce the jumping effort and allows the horse to clear the obstacle more easily.

Riders and horses need to keep their eyes up and focused on the actual fence they must jump, rather than looking down at the water. This is especially important for Liverpools, where the water can make the horse look down and lose focus on the rails.

Additional reading: Rabbit Jump

Here are some key differences between Open Water and Liverpool:

In cross-country events, water jumps add an element of excitement and challenge, requiring exceptional skill and coordination from both the rider and the horse.

Common types of jumps include the squat jump and the box jump. Both of these jumps are often used in strength training and conditioning exercises.

The squat jump is a plyometric exercise that involves jumping up from a squatting position. It's a great way to improve power and explosiveness.

Box jumps are similar to squat jumps, but involve jumping up onto a box or bench. This exercise targets the muscles in the legs and glutes.

Jumping rope is another common type of jump that's often used in cardio workouts. It's a great way to improve coordination and agility.

The depth jump is a plyometric exercise that involves jumping down from a box or bench and immediately jumping back up. It's a great way to improve power and explosiveness.

Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that involves jumping up and out to the sides while raising the arms. They're a great way to get your heart rate up and improve coordination.

Broaden your view: Osselets Jump

A descending oxer is an oxer with a front rail set higher than the back. This type of jump can be particularly tricky for horses to navigate.

The FEI prohibits descending oxers due to the way they can deceive a horse's eye, making it difficult for the horse to accurately judge the height and width of the fence. This can lead to accidents.

Descending oxers are often seen in horse competitions, where riders need to carefully plan their approach to avoid any mishaps.

For beginners, it's best to start with ground poles, which allow you to practice counting your strides and riding the change in your horse's gait as he steps over them.

Ground poles are a great way to build confidence and develop your horse's jumping skills in a low-pressure environment.

A cross rail jump is a good next step, consisting of two poles crossed in the middle, forming an "X". This visual center helps keep you riding straight.

Cross rails can be started low and most horses can trot over even the taller cross rails, making them perfect for beginners.

Oxer and spread are simply two words for the same type of jump, incorporating width as well as height.

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A spread jump is typically wider than other types of jumps, with two vertical poles placed a small distance apart.

This type of jump tests your ability to judge widths, and it can be a fun challenge to navigate with your horse.

Sometimes, the poles in a spread jump are of different heights, which adds an extra level of complexity to the jump.

Oxers and spread jumps can also feature filler material, such as flower boxes or brush, to make them more visually appealing.

The different heights and angles of the poles in an oxer or spread jump can be quite a test of your horse's agility and your riding skills.

A jump is a crucial element in equestrian sports, and it's essential to understand what it is before diving into the different types. A jump is essentially an obstacle that horses and riders must navigate over.

The height and design of a jump can vary greatly, but one thing is consistent - it's a challenge for both horse and rider. An oxer jump, for example, consists of two or more parts, typically two vertical fences placed close together, creating a wider and more spread out jump for the horse.

In equestrian sports, jumps are used to test the horse's agility, balance, and strength.

In show jumping, eventing, and hunter/jumper arenas, you'll encounter various types of horse jumps. For beginners, understanding the differences between disciplines can be overwhelming.

For show jumping, the focus is on precision and speed. In eventing, horse and rider teams navigate challenging cross-country courses.

Here's a breakdown of common jumps by discipline:

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and each discipline has its own unique set of jumps and requirements.

As a beginner, you'll encounter various types of jumps on course, such as arrowheads, corners, and skinnies.

To set up a show jump course for beginners, consider the size and complexity of the jumps, as well as the flow of the course.

The 11 Best Horse Breeds for Jumping Big & Clear recommend breeds like the Warmblood and Thoroughbred for their agility and jumping ability.

A well-designed course will have a mix of jump types, including oxers, verticals, and combinations.

If you're new to jumping, it's essential to start with a course that has a gentle flow and gradually increases in difficulty.

In a typical show jumping course, you'll see a variety of obstacles, including combinations of two or more jumps in a row.

Here's a list of some common jump types you might see on course:

Remember, practice makes perfect, so be sure to take your time and ride carefully through the course.

Show jumping courses are known for their brightly coloured and boldly painted jumps, which can make horses more likely to spook as the height and difficulty level increase.

The height and difficulty level of show jumping courses can cause horses to spook more easily.

Eventing courses, on the other hand, use a variety of solid fences in different shapes and colours, which are designed to be even more intimidating for horses.

These fences are often used in cross-country events, where horses need to be exceptionally brave.

Hunter/jumpers prefer a more classic style of fence, with a natural look and cleaner design.

These fences are typically collapsible and modernized for show hunters.

The fences used in hunter/jumpers are often designed to resemble the types of fences a horse would see in a field.

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A horse is a large, powerful animal that excels at jumping over obstacles, like the ditch jump I mentioned earlier.

Horses come in different breeds, each with its own unique characteristics and abilities.

Some horses are specifically trained for jumping and can clear high fences and ditches with ease, like the ditch horse jump.

Their strong legs and agile bodies allow them to navigate challenging courses with confidence.

The Trakehner is a type of jump that's sure to test your skills. It consists of a ditch with a log suspended over it.

This jump is all about precision and control, as you'll need to navigate your horse over the log without touching the ditch.

In show jumping, vertical jumps are a common type of obstacle that requires precision from the horse and the rider.

Vertical jumps are typically the simplest type of jump, but they can still be challenging for both the horse and the rider.

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Oxer jumps are another type of obstacle that consists of two vertical poles placed one above the other, requiring the horse to jump over both poles in a single stride.

Oxer jumps can be tricky because the horse needs to adjust its takeoff and landing to clear both poles smoothly.

Combination jumps, also known as combination fences, are a series of two or more jumps placed close together, requiring the horse to jump over multiple obstacles in a single stride.

Combination jumps are often used in show jumping to test the horse's agility and the rider's ability to navigate complex courses.

Water jumps are a type of obstacle that involves jumping over a water-filled ditch or pool, requiring the horse to land safely on the other side.

Water jumps can be intimidating for both the horse and the rider, but with proper training and practice, they can be overcome.

Triple bar jumps are a type of combination jump that consists of three vertical poles placed one above the other, requiring the horse to jump over all three poles in a single stride.

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Triple bar jumps are often used in eventing and show jumping to test the horse's agility and the rider's ability to navigate complex courses.

Liverpool jumps are a type of combination jump that consists of a series of vertical poles and oxer combinations, requiring the horse to jump over multiple obstacles in a single stride.

Liverpool jumps are often used in show jumping to test the horse's agility and the rider's ability to navigate complex courses.

Triple bars are a type of show jumping fence that tests a horse's jumping ability and the rider's control.

They are slightly more challenging for horses than an oxer, requiring the horse to clear multiple bars set at different heights.

The bars are typically attached to one stand and set at increasing heights, making it a demanding obstacle for both horse and rider.

An experienced jumping horse should have no problem hopping over the triple bars without knocking one down, but if a horse hits one of the bars, points get deducted from its score.

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Triple bars can be a crowd favorite at equestrian events due to their distinctive appearance and challenging nature, adding to the excitement of the sport.

A hogsback is a type of triple bar where the middle bar is set highest, instead of the back bar, making it a variation of the traditional triple bar design.

The technical demands of triple bars require riders to possess a deep understanding of their horse's capabilities and the skills to adjust their approach and execution accordingly.

Riders need to navigate their horse to achieve the correct take-off spot and maintain balance throughout the jump, making it a test of skill and coordination between horse and rider.

A gate jump is a unique and challenging type of jump. It consists of a gate being held by two jump stands.

The gate is the central element of this jump, and its design can vary depending on the specific jump. In the case of the gate jump mentioned in the article, it's held by two jump stands.

The gate jump requires precision and control to execute successfully. This is because the gate is a critical component that needs to be navigated carefully.

To master the gate jump, it's essential to practice and develop your skills gradually.

A Wall is a water jump where a water tray is placed under a vertical or an oxer. It's a wider water jump with a ditch of water behind a vertical or a lower gate.

This type of jump is often found on cross-country courses, where the water tray is placed to make the jump more challenging and fun for the horse.

The Wall jump is typically a regular vertical fence with a wall filler placed underneath, usually painted to look like a brick or stone wall. The filler makes the jump spookier to the horse.

The filler is usually painted to look like a brick or stone wall, making the jump more realistic and intimidating for the horse.

This type of jump is a great way to add some excitement to your horse's training, but make sure to introduce it gradually and with proper safety precautions.

Cavaletti are smaller fences, usually set at a maximum of 18” to 2’ at their highest point. This makes them versatile for training.

You can adjust the jump height by moving the ends of the poles up to higher holes on the standards. This allows you to customize the height for different horses.

Cavalettis are often used in training because they can be used as ground poles, raised poles, or built into small fences.

Brush fences are a type of obstacle where the horse jumps through the brush, not over it.

You'll often see brush fences in the cross country field, but they can also appear in derby classes. They can be solid or made with lighter panels that will collapse if the horse hits it.

The foliage of a brush fence extends above the actual jump, so the horse jumps over the wooden part of the fence and then through the brush.

Aim for the part of the fence that's easiest for the horse to clear, which is usually one of the two lower loops of the hedge.

Brush fences are closely related to the bullfinch, and sometimes they're painted to camouflage with the surrounding brush, making them harder to see.

Rolltops are often seen in show jumping, cross country, and even the hunter ring. They're a type of jump that can be quite wide at upper levels.

Rolltops have a rounded top and a flat bottom, making them a unique feature on the course. They're designed to test the horse's scope.

In jumping classes, rolltops are usually placed under a fence to serve as filler. This helps to create a more challenging course for the horses.

Rolltops can be quite wide, governing respect from the horse, but they're not usually considered a "scary" fence. They generally produce a good jump and are intended to be jumped at a forward pace.

An arrowhead horse jump is a type of fence that's very popular in the eventing world.

It has a wide top that narrows at the base to make a flat point, similar to the head of an arrow.

This design makes it more difficult to jump accurately than wider fences.

Arrowhead fences go upward like a ramp rather than straight vertically like many other fences.

As a result, riders need to be extra careful with their approach and timing to clear these fences successfully.

An ascending tack is a type of jump that's slightly different from the typical one, with the first element being lower and the back element being higher.

The width of the ascending tack will vary depending on the difficulty of the class, with lower classes having less width and bigger jumping classes having wider tacks.

In essence, an ascending tack is like a ramp for horses to jump over.

A bank in a jumping context is essentially a large stair step, sometimes with a jump set on it that the horse will jump over off the bank back onto level ground.

In show jumping, banks can be created as one flat wide step up, where the horse jumps onto it from one side, canter a few strides, and then jumps down the other side.

Banks can also be used in water features, where the horse will jump off the bank into or out of water.

The bank's design tests a horse's balance, as it requires careful foot placement, especially on the descending side.

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A bounce is a type of jump that's set close together, allowing horses to jump both fences in a single stride. This unique setup requires horses to be quick with their legs.

Bounce jumps are often set lower than the rest of the course, making them a great training tool to help horses become more careful and precise.

A coffin is a type of jump that features a wide and deep ditch going into another fence. It's called a coffin because the horse is essentially jumping a "grave" shaped hole.

Coffin jumps are common in eventing, specifically in the cross country portion. They're quite spooky, which can be intimidating for both horses and riders.

The ditch in a coffin jump is wide and deep, making it a challenging feat for the horse to clear. The horse must have the power to jump the ditch and then clear the second fence in one fell swoop.

Coffins extend the overall width of the fence, making it a more difficult jump for the horse to navigate.

A coop is a type of fence commonly seen in cross country riding, as well as in derby style classes.

It has A-frame sides that attach to a peak at the top of the fence.

The coop looks like a narrow house roof that's been placed on the ground.

Coops are often used in specific jump types, like the coop horse jump.

A corner in the context of horse jumping is a triangular-shaped jump, typically seen on cross country courses in eventing.

The base of a corner jump is wider, narrowing down to a point on the other side, making it visually deceiving from the side.

Corners can appear straight from the side, but they're actually wider than they seem, requiring riders to find the right track to help their horse judge and clear the width.

The width of a corner jump varies with the level of difficulty, making it a challenging obstacle for both horses and riders.

A log fence is exactly what it sounds like - a large log, often using fallen trees, set on the ground or stacked.

The difficulty and height of the fence will vary depending on the level of competition.

An oxer is a type of horse jump that has two sets of standards placed close together with poles across each.

The width of the oxer will vary depending on the level of competition.

In fact, oxers can get quite wide, making them a challenging obstacle for horses to navigate.

A square oxer is a type of jump where both standards have poles set evenly, making it safe to jump from either direction.

This design makes square oxers commonly used in training and at shows, as they provide a consistent and predictable challenge for horses and riders.

In the context of horse jumping, a square is a specific arrangement of poles that creates a unique challenge for horses and riders.

The Swedish jump is a type of oxer that's sure to test your horse's skills. It's set up with poles that are angled diagonally to create a cross rail looking fence that's suspended in the air.

The poles are typically set up in a way that creates an X shape, with one standard having the diagonal poles angled one way and the other having the angle going the opposite way. This fence is notoriously tricky for horses to navigate, and it's not uncommon for them to be spooked by it.

The width of the Swedish jump varies depending on the difficulty of the course, and it's often accompanied by a wide, deep ditch that the horse must jump across. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the jump, requiring the horse to not only clear the fence but also navigate the ditch below.

The table jump is a wide, solid, flat topped jump seen on cross country courses.

Its width and height will increase with the difficulty of the course, making it a challenging obstacle for riders to navigate.

Vertical jumps are a staple in horse jumping, requiring riders to navigate a single bar or pole in the air.

Oxer jumps are a type of vertical jump with two bars or poles, one on top of the other, that riders must clear in one smooth motion.

Riders often encounter combination fences, which are two or more jumps placed together in a single obstacle, testing their precision and timing.

Water jumps are another type of jump that involves navigating a pool or a series of small jumps over water, requiring riders to balance their horse's speed and agility.

A bounce, also called a no-stride, is a fence combination sometimes found on the cross-country course of eventing. It teaches the horse good balance, to push off with his hind end, and to fold his front end well.

The distance between the two fences in a bounce is usually 7–8 feet for small ponies. This allows the horse to "bounce" between the two jumps, so that the next takeoff is in the same stride as the previous landing.

A bounce can also be used to slow down a speedy horse, as a horse cannot go flying over a bounce without knocking a rail. This is because a horse cannot take a full stride between the two fences, but not so close that the horse would jump both fences at once.

For more advanced horses, several bounces can be used in a row, making it a great exercise to challenge them. The distance between the fences increases with the size of the horse, ranging from 9 ft for large ponies or small horses to 9.5–11 ft for horses.

A skinny horse jump is a fence built to be far less wide, requiring riders to be especially accurate to navigate successfully.

These narrow fences make it easier for horses to run out, which is why accuracy is key.

A skinny jump is a challenging feature on a course that demands precision and control from both horse and rider.

A turf fill is a roll top shaped filler made to resemble grass, typically positioned under a stadium jump.

The most common type of fence is the vertical, built with a single set of standards with poles across them.

Vertical fences can be made spookier by using colored rails and setting them diagonally with a flat rail on top.

Water is a crucial element in the world of show jumping, particularly in the open water jump. It's a wide square "pond" that horses must jump across.

This type of jump is typically set lower in height, which is a deliberate design choice to challenge the horses' ability to clear its immense width.

If a horse lands in the water, they incur a penalty of 4 faults.

A water feature in horse jumping is essentially a jump with a water element, such as a small pond or a simulated water obstacle, that the horse must jump over. This tests the horse's bravery and confidence.

Water features can come in different forms, including open water, which is a large, rectangular-shaped "ditch" of water, and liverpools, which are show jumping obstacles that take the form of an oxer or vertical jump with a small pool of water underneath.

The width of water features can be quite wide, up to 16 feet, making it one of the widest obstacles a horse will be asked to jump. Riders and horses need to approach these features strongly, with a long stride, and judge the take-off to put the horse as deep as possible to the obstacle.

Riders need to keep their eyes up and not look down, as water can be spooky for a horse, but it's usually more daunting for the rider. This is especially true for liverpools, which can make the horse look down and hit the fence.

Here are some key characteristics of water features in horse jumping:

The technical construction of water features, including the placement of the water and its surrounding terrain, is meticulously designed to create a formidable test for the competitors. Understanding the nuances of mastering water features is essential for riders aiming for success in cross-country events.

The Brush with Rails jump is a great way to test a horse's agility and jumping skills. It's similar to the triple bar jump, but with a twist - a large bush is placed in front of or behind the rails.

This event is easily recognizable by the shrubs or bushes in the area, making it a fun and challenging obstacle for both the rider and horse. The purpose of the bush is to see if the horse will jump over it in addition to the rail.

For horses that are already used to navigating debris on their property, the Brush with Rails jump can be a great start to competition jumping. It's a good idea to practice finding the right distance to jump, as this will help build confidence and accuracy.

This jump requires a bit more practice than others, but with time and patience, it will become a natural choice.

Jump combinations are a series of fences that require horses to jump within 1-3 strides of each other. They can include verticals, oxers, and other configurations that demand strategic coordination.

The distance between each element in a combination jump is typically no more than one horse's length, making it a challenging task for horses to make quick and accurate adjustments while jumping.

In combination jumps, riders often strategize and train intensively to master these challenging sequences, as they represent a key aspect of competitive performance.

A triple combination is a series of obstacles that require precise navigation and jumping skills from the horse and rider, similar to a combination jump.

These jumps typically consist of two or more elements, often including verticals, oxers, and other configurations that demand strategic coordination.

The triple combination is a challenging sequence that showcases the advanced capabilities of the horse and the rider, demonstrating their ability to maintain momentum and accuracy over a series of difficult obstacles.

In a triple combination, the obstacles are usually set close together, with no more than one horse's length between each element, challenging the horse to make quick and accurate adjustments while jumping.

A triple bar horse jump is often seen in show jumping courses and can be a part of a triple combination, requiring the horse to extend its overall width and jump over three pairs of jump standards with poles across them.

These jumps are particularly significant in elite competitions, where the complexity and smooth execution of triple combinations can significantly impact the overall score.

The crossrail is the easiest type of jump and commonly used for teaching beginner riders, schooling young horses, and doing warm-up exercises.

It's a great way to introduce horses to jumping, as it's a low-impact and forgiving obstacle.

The crossrail is formed by two poles crossed to create an "X", with one end of each pole resting on the ground and the other supported by a standard.

This design makes it easy to set up and adjust, allowing riders to focus on their horse's technique and balance.

The lowest point of the crossrail is where the poles cross, making it a relatively low-height obstacle for horses to navigate.

Jump competitions are a thrilling way to test a horse's agility and athleticism. They involve navigating a series of obstacles, typically in a specific order, to complete a course.

The height of the jumps can vary greatly, with some competitions featuring jumps as low as 2 feet and others as high as 6 feet or more. This requires riders to adjust their approach and technique accordingly.

In a typical jump competition, the course is designed to challenge the horse and rider as a team, with obstacles placed in a way that requires strategy and communication between the two.

Puissance competitions are a thrilling part of jump competitions.

Horses are judged on their ability to clear very large fences.

The fences in puissance classes are designed to look like brick walls, with collapsible boxes stacked on top of each other.

Judges continually increase the height of the jump, pushing horses to their limits.

The last horse to clear the highest fence is the winner.

Competitions can be a thrilling experience for horse owners, with horses competing for ribbons and prices, and even monetary rewards.

Not all horse breeds are ideal for jumping competitions, so it's essential to choose a breed that's suitable for the sport.