Jump poles are an essential part of a horse jump, and although they may be easily overlooked as an important aspect that impacts how horse and rider see and ride to a jump, they indeed are.
Every pole size, design, and shape have a purpose and change how a jump may be ridden to. Dalman Jump Co. explains all these factors:
What are the different jump pole lengths and how do they impact my ride?
Jump poles are typically between eight and twelve feet in length. The lesser the length– aka ‘skinnier’-- the more precise the ride to them has to be.
Eight Foot Jump Poles
Eight foot jump poles are used for skinny jumps. Think skinny equitation jumps and smaller jumps at home used for practicing getting straight and in the middle of a jump. Although not used on most jumps, it’s a good idea to have a few eight footers in your ring to build at least one skinny jump.
Ten Foot Jump Poles
If you have a smaller arena, ten foot poles are going to be the ideal pole for you. They help save room in your ring (two feet per jump), meaning there’s more room to ride around the jumps. A small indoor ring may be best if exclusively outfitted with ten foot poles.
Like eight foot poles, ten foot poles also require more intentional steering to make sure you are in the middle of the jump. They are great for practicing steering, while also being a great length for any jump! Plus, about half of the jumps at the horse show are usually ten foot poles.
Twelve foot jump poles
Twelve foot poles are the classic pole length. Most hunter jumps are made with these poles along with a good portion of other jumps at the horse show. Because they are bigger, they are easier to steer to, but also take up more room in your ring.
What are the different jump pole shapes and how do they impact my ride?
There are two jump pole shapes– round and square– but you will only see round poles in the show ring. Here are the differences and benefits of each:
Square Poles
Square poles are shaped just like they sound. Because of the weight and edges, horses normally respect square poles more. These poles make for great trot rails and ground poles because they don’t move around and roll when hit.
Round Poles
Great for everyday use, round poles are what you will see at the horse show and on most jumps. They are a classic and most of your jumps should be built with them.
What are the different jump pole designs and how do they impact my ride?
Solid Poles
Solid jump poles are poles painted in one color. Because they don’t have dimension, these rails are known to be harder to see and judge, so it's good to practice them at home so both horse and rider get used to this ride.
Striped Poles
The most common jump poles are striped poles. These poles come in endless striped designs and varying colors. The bolder the colors, the more careful the horse jumps it. Striped poles are great for everyday use as they are a staple in every arena.
Horizontal Striped Poles, aka Mafia Poles
The unique design of horizontal striped poles– aka mafia poles– makes them harder to see and judge. Although they look very cool, it's vital to practice these almost optical illusion seeming poles before the horse show.
Fun Fact: Mafia poles are inspired and named after the pin-striped suits the Italian mafia would wear.
Spiral Poles
Like a candy cane, spiral poles feature one continuous spiraling line around the pole. And, like the mafia poles, these create a sort of optical illusion that actually causes the horse to jump too high above them. Horses and riders should practice this at home before the horse show.
Turf Poles and Birch Poles
Hunter poles, like turf and birch rails, are pretty to look at, but can cause a spook. Because of the different, natural dimensions, they seem to stand out to a horse so this is another rail that is very important to practice at home.
–
It’s important to never discount poles as an important aspect to horse jumps. If you have any more pole-related questions, reach out to the experts at Dalman Jump Co. Or, browse all jump poles from DJC here.