There are many different types horse jumps, from roll-tops to basic schooling jump standards. This article describes how to make jump standards, which are easier to transport and easier to build than roll-tops. They are also the most versatile, and can be constructed with basic power tools and easy-to-find lumber. They also make a great team project, so if you are building a large number of jumps for a riding school or club, get the riders together for a work party.
How to build a horse jump
Step 1
Cut the 4-by-4 post in half on the compound miter saw. Cut the 2-by-8 boards into eight 2-foot lengths with either the compound miter saw or the circular saw. Cut a standard-sized, 45-degree corner off each 2-foot length on the miter saw. These pieces will be the "feet" of your standard.
Step 2
On one side of each 4-by-4, which will actually measure 3 1/2 inches wide, find the exact center of the post and draw a vertical line along the entire length of the post. Starting at a point 18 inches from one end of the post, put a hash mark along the center line every 3 inches.
Step 3
Drill ½-inch holes completely through the post at each 3-inch mark, making sure your drill is held perpendicular to the post. Many drills are equipped with built-in levels, but a helper can also assist the driller by holding a square at each hash mark to help the driller keep the tool at 90 degrees.
Step 4
Fasten a 2-by-8-inch board to the base of the post, flush with the bottom of the post in the 18-inch area where there are no hash marks. The board, a "foot," should be at a precise 90-degree angle to the post. Make sure the butt end of the 2-by-8 is flush with the corner of the post and that the 45-degree cut angle is facing up. Using four 3-inch deck screws for each foot, fasten a 2-by-8 board to all four faces of the post base, making sure the butt end of each piece is flush with the previous 2-by-8 piece and that all 45-degree corners are facing up.
Step 5
Sand down the post and its four feet with rough sandpaper to remove any protruding slivers. Paint with a primer paint. When the primer is dry, paint with a glossy exterior latex paint.
Step 6
Install the two cups at an equal height with the concave side of the cup facing up. Position your standards 12 feet apart--the length of the pole--and rest the pole in the cups. Now you're ready to jump.
Tips and Warnings
- A drill press makes the job of drilling holes much easier and the holes come out much cleaner, with fewer splinters and sawdust debris left in the hole. Have spare screw bits on hand. Three-inch screws can be difficult to sink, so you may find your screw bit wears down after ahile and will need to be replaced.
- PVC poles are lightweight but many riding stables prefer wooden poles. PVC can shatter and leave behind sharp-edged shards that can cut horse or rider.
Things You'll Need
- 8-foot length of 4-by-4 post, pressure treated, redwood or cedar
- Compound miter saw
- Two 8-foot, 2-by-8 boards, pressure treated, redwood, cedar or pine
- 8-inch circular saw
- Power drill
- ½-inch long shaft drill bit
- Phillips-head screw bit for power drill
- Small square
- 4-foot straight-edge ruler
- 3-inch deck screws
- 80-grit sandpaper
- 1 pair of jump cups
- 12-foot-long, 3-inch wooden or PVC poles
References
- HorseChannel.com
- How to make your own horse jumps
- Personal interview with Brittany Henson, owner of Nevada Equestrian
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