A key part of being successful in the jumping arena is fully understanding the different parts of each jump. Jumps typically come with three main parts: the rails, the jump cups, and the standard. The actual look and number of each part will vary quite a bit depending on the style and height of the jump.
Some jumps will contain additional features in their construction, but these are the universal basic parts. If you are new to jumping, or just want a refresher, here is an overview of each part.
The Rails
Also called poles or cavalettis, the rails of a jump are long poles that are usually made of wood or plastic. When you first begin training a horse for jumping, your trainer may lay the poles on the ground. As you and your horse get more comfortable, the height of the poles will gradually be raised. Even once you are a confident jumper, the height of jumps will continue to increase as you move through the levels of competition. At the Olympic level, rails are set to a maximum height of 1.6 meters, or 5.2 feet. When not in use, you can use mobile pole caddies to safely store the rails.
The Jump Cups
The next part of a horse jump is the jump cups. These are the parts that hold the rails in place. They can be moved up or down to adjust the height of a jump. Jump cups are typically made of metal but can also be made of plastic. In a pinch, you can make your own jump cups by using loops of rope attached to the sides of the jump.
The Standard
The third part of a horse jump is the standard, which are the sides of the jump that the jump cups attach to. The style of the standard can vary quite a bit. Show jumping standards tend to feature bright colors, while other competitions like hunter/jumper or cross-country feature more naturalistic color schemes.
When you are considering any jump, make sure you carefully inspect it to be sure that it’s safe and that you and your horse can easily clear it. Check the rails for splinters, the jump cups for cracks, and the standard for any pieces that may break and injure you or your horse. Once you know what the parts are and what to look for, you and your horse will be reaching new heights in no time!
