Horse jumping is an exciting and rewarding hobby for competitive equestrians. It is essential to use the right equipment to ensure horses and riders remain safe.
Using the best quality paint for jump pieces helps them maintain their durability and appearance. Multiple light coats of oil-based paint will also help them resist damage from the elements and weather.
Durability
Choosing durable materials for horse jump cups is essential, as they must be able to handle frequent use and the occasional fall. Jump cups should be regularly inspected for signs of wear and damage. Those that show obvious signs of damage should be replaced to prevent injuries to horses or riders.
Metal jump cups are a safe and reliable option for holding jump rails. They are made from heavy steel and finished with black paint to protect them from corrosion and weathering. They also have shaped pins to secure the cup directly to the jump standard for increased stability.
Plastic jump cups are another durable option for equestrians. They are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for amateur and professional riders. They are available in several depths to suit various disciplines and can be easily attached to any standard with keyhole tracks. Moreover, they have smooth and soft edges that help prevent injury to horses and riders.
Design
The design of your horse jumps can significantly impact the safety of horses and riders. Regularly inspecting jump cups for cracks, nicks, and bends can prevent injuries caused by broken jump cups that fall off or knock a rail off the cup.
Metal jump cups pinned flat allow for gates and planks to rest in them more evenly so the rider doesn’t have to put as much pressure on one side of the gate or plank when jumping. They also have smooth, soft edges to prevent further injury to horses and riders.
Bounce fences (or several bounces in a row) are a standard equestrian jump that teaches the horse to balance, push off with its hind end, and fold well. Bounces can also test a horse’s ability to jump over a solid object like a brush, as the horse cannot see where it will land. These are often found in novice and advanced jumping competitions.
Ease of Use
The type of cups you choose to use for your jump affects the way your horse takes off and lands from each obstacle. Having durable, well-made cups will ensure your horses are safe.
Jump Cups are made to be easily used with one hand. This unique design eliminates the need to hold a rail, pin, and cup. This saves time and is safer for the horse. They are painted black to withstand weather elements and have smooth round corners to prevent injury.
These super-tough fibre-reinforced nylon keyhole track cups are reversible and come one side deep (pins included) for poles and flat for gates or planks. The reversible feature allows one hand to manipulate them to change the height of the jump. They meet USEF depth requirements and work with standard keyhole tracks. These are an excellent alternative to steel cup jumps. They are also lightweight and easy to paint!
Safety
When it comes to constructing horse jumps, safety is always a priority. This relates to both the rider and the horse itself. For this reason, you must use jump cups that are built with safety in mind.
The cups should be constructed so they are designed to open and drop under a certain amount of weight pressure to prevent any injuries to your horse. This is why they are often made with a certain depth. For example, a more bottomless cup is often used for hunter fences, while a flat or shallow cup is best suited to hold a plank or gate.
Jump Cups are an excellent choice for ensuring the safety of your horse. They are also easy to use and lightweight, making them ideal for professional and amateur riders. Additionally, they are designed to work with keyhole tracks on your jump standards and are available in several depths depending on your discipline.