Getting started with jumping: how to build safe jumps

Are you getting started with jumping? Then it’s important to know which jumps you can build and how to do it safely! In this blog we explain which different types of jumps you may encounter in a course, show you how to build the three basic jumps found in every course yourself, and tell you what to pay attention to when it comes to safety.

In a course you can encounter four different types of jumps: the vertical, the oxer, the triple and the open water jump. Want to know how to jump a water tray without wet hooves? Then read our blog about water jumps here!

You may also sometimes encounter a wall in your competition course. A wall officially falls under the vertical category, but because it looks different and jumps differently, in practice it is often considered a separate jump. In training and during warm-up, the cross-rail is also used a lot.

The basics: three most important jumps

The cross-rail

The cross-rail consists of two stands (or cavaletti) and three poles: as the name suggests, two crossed poles and one ground pole. During free jumping, a trot pole is often used as well. Because the two poles cross and the lowest point is in the middle, the horse is automatically encouraged to jump in the center. That makes the cross-rail a pleasant and effective exercise for both young and more experienced horses. It is ideal for free jumping, gymnastic lines, young horses and straightening your horse.

The vertical

The vertical usually consists of two stands (or cavaletti) and four poles: one horizontal pole, one or two poles to fill the “gap”, and a ground pole. The vertical is used in the warm-up after the cross-rail; usually no trot pole is used. However, a vertical can be built with a ground pole before and after the jump. This helps the horse take the correct distance and trains the rider to judge the correct take-off point.

The pole behind the vertical encourages the horse to jump through actively. Often, soft poles are used in front of and behind the vertical so the horse cannot injure itself. The vertical encourages the horse to come back and jump upward. Verticals are used in competition courses as well as in training and gymnastic lines.

Oxer

An oxer consists of four stands and five poles: two horizontal poles on the first set and the second set of stands, one or two poles to fill the “gap”, and a ground pole. The oxer is not combined with a (trot) pole in front of the jump, as with the vertical or the cross-rail.

The oxer requires the horse to sit back, stretch, push off and produce a good bascule. After the cross-rail and the vertical, the oxer is jumped in the warm-up. With an oxer, it is mandatory to use safety cups on the back stands that comply with current safety requirements.

The oxer is used in competition courses, training sessions and gymnastic lines.

Safety and regulations

Approach direction

To indicate from which side the jump must be jumped, a red and a white flag are used on top of the stand. The rule is: red on the right, white on the left. In the same way, driving direction on highways is also indicated.

In a training environment you won’t always see these flags, but in the competition course and warm-up ring they are mandatory. The flag indication helps prevent misunderstandings and dangerous situations.

Safety cups

Safety cups are used on the back stands of an oxer or a triple.
A safety cup consists of an adapter and a jump cup. The adapter is open at the bottom, so the cup can fall out of the adapter upon impact and the pole drops to the ground. This prevents the horse and rider from getting caught behind the pole in case of a wrong distance or a fall.

The safety cup must comply with the safety requirements of the KNHS and the FEI.

Get started: how to build a jump

Building a cross-rail

1. Make sure you have all required materials;
   • 2 stands
   • 1 red and 1 white flag
   • 3 or 4 poles
   • 2 jump cups
2. Attach the cups at the desired height and place the two poles diagonally across each other. One pole in front of the base of the stand and the other behind it.
3. Use your 3rd pole as the ground line. Want more ground line? Place the pole at the end of the base of the stand. Less ground line? Place the pole closer to the diagonal poles of the cross-rail.
4. Want to add a trot pole? For horses, the distance is 2.50 m to approach from trot. Want to know how to set distances? Then read our blog: cavaletti training with Nedlandic.
5. Place the red flag on the right stand and the white flag on the left.

Building a vertical

1. Make sure you have all required materials;
   • 2 stands
   • 1 red and 1 white flag
   • 3 or 4 poles
   • 4 or 6 jump cups
2. Attach the cups at the desired height and place the poles horizontally on the cups. Make sure the “gap” that arises between the top pole and the ground line is filled with other poles or jump fillers; underboards or hanging gates.
3. Use a pole as the ground line. Want more ground line? Place the pole at the end of the base of the stand. Less ground line? Place the pole closer to the vertical.
4. Place the red flag on the right stand and the white flag on the left.

Building an oxer

1. Make sure you have all required materials;
   • 4 stands
   • 2 red and 2 white flags
   • 4 or 5 poles
   • 4 or 6 jump cups
   • 2 safety cups: cup and adapter
2. Attach the cups at the desired height and place the poles horizontally on the cups. Use the safety cups on the back stands of the oxer. Make sure the “gap” that arises between the top pole and the ground line is filled with other poles or jump fillers; underboards or hanging gates.
3. Use a pole as the ground line. Want more ground line? Place the pole at the end of the base of the stand. Less ground line? Place the pole closer to the oxer. With an oxer, the ground line is not placed too far away, because the oxer is already a width jump.
4. Place the red flag on the right stand and the white flag on the left.

Checklist: safe jump poles

• Is the red flag on the left and the white flag on the right on the stand?
• Is everything stable and placed on level ground?
• Are the poles (except for a cross-rail) hung straight in the stands?
• Are the cups attached at the same height and are safety cups used on the back stands?
• Is the back pole of the oxer level with or higher than the first pole?
• Is the jump logical and clear for the horse? Is there no “gap” between the ground pole and the highest pole?

Now you have all the tools and knowledge you need to start building your own jumps! Train smart, train with Nedlandic.
You win the competition at home!

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