How to Build Jumps for Horses

Anyone who jumps horses needs to practice, and the best way to practice for show jumping is to have the same kinds of jumps at home as you will encounter in the show ring. Purchasing manufactured jumps can be expensive, but the materials required to build them yourself can be quite cheap. Although it takes time, effort and the right tools to build your own jumps, it is worth it.

Things You'll Need

  • For one jump with two standards and two poles: Two 4 x 4 fence posts (6-foot lengths) One 2 x 8 board (8-foot length) Saw 32 3-inch screws or 3-inch nails Drill Hammer, if using nails Two 10-foot wooden poles or PVC pipes Four jump cups, available at many tack stores and Web sites Paint Paint brush Plastic or silk flower displays (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the types and number of jumps you need, so you know the materials to buy. A vertical jump requires two standards, which are the upright stands at each end, and at least one pole --- and you might want the option of having two or three poles per vertical jump.
      Oxers, which are basically two jumps next to each other that the horse must jump in one leap, require four standards and at least two poles.
      Triples, which are three jumps next to each other, require six standards and at least three poles.

    • 2

      Drill ½-inch holes for the jump cup pins in one side of each of the fence posts, going straight through to the other side. Start 12 inches from the bottom and drill the holes three inches apart, going in a straight line up the middle of the post. This is the upright portion of the standard.

    • 3

      Use the saw to cut the 2 x 8 board into eight 12-inch sections. On each segment, cut a triangle from one corner that runs from the middle of the long side to the middle of the short side. These segments will be "feet" for the standard.

    • 4

      Attach a foot to the bottom of the post using either screws or nails so that the left side of the foot is flush with the left side of the post. Turn the post and repeat the process with the next foot, working your way around until there is a foot on each side.

    • 5

      Paint the standards and the poles. The most common scheme is white standards with white poles that have colored stripes on them in different designs, but you can paint them any way you like.

    • 6

      Attach the jump cups to the standards at the desired height by pushing the pin through the holes in the cup and the standard. Place the standards where you want the jump to be with the jump cups facing each other and place the poles in the cups.