How to Make Miniature Horse Jumps

Miniature horses are not ponies--in fact, minis are smaller than ponies, with a height at the withers of just 28 to 38 inches tall. Although miniature horses are too small for all but the smallest children to ride, there are other ways owners can have fun with their pets. Some miniature horses love to pull carts, and others love to negotiate obstacle courses and jumps. Mini owners can design a jump for their horses using inexpensive materials and simple tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x4 lumber
  • Nails
  • Jump poles
  • Saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Saw your 2x4s into several different lengths, depending on the height of the jumps you want to make. It is a good idea to use a wide piece of wood to make the jumps--wider pieces will be more stable. Be sure to tailor the size of the jumps to the size of the horse. If your miniature horse is very small, with very short legs, a beginning jump of 6 inches to 1 foot is adequate.

    • 2

      Nail two like-sized pieces of 2x4 together to form an "X." Nail another two pieces of 2x4 of the same size together to make another "X." Again, using wider pieces of wood will make the jumps more stable.

    • 3

      Lay a standard size jump pole on the ground. It is important to use standard jump poles instead of making your own. Jump poles are specially designed to reduce the risk of injury if the horse were to hit them.

    • 4

      Place your two "X" jump standards at each end of the jump pole. Make sure each end of the jump pole lays in the middle of the "X" jump standard. To make the jumps larger, cut the 2x4s into longer pieces; measure the exact middle of each piece; and nail them together to form an "X." You can also try stacking the "X's" on top of one another, but it can be difficult to stabilize them.

    • 5

      Bring your miniature horse out to your newly constructed jump course.