How To Build A Schooling Standard Horse Jump 9 Steps

These 8 segments will form the feet of the jump, so they should all be identical in length.

Situate the butt of 1 foot flush with 1 edge of the post. Place the second foot so it butts up against the first, the third so it butt up against the second, and the fourth so it butts up against the third. Think of the feet positioning like hands on a clock. Each of the 2 high posts will have a foot located at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Visually, they’ll more or less resemble a pinwheel pattern.

You’ll need 32 deck screws total. Deck screws are a little more expensive than other kinds of screws, but won’t deteriorate in pressure-treated lumber.

Repeat the process on the second vertical post by measuring and marking lines first at 18 in (46 cm) and then at intervals of 3 in (7. 6 cm) until you have drawn 9 lines. These marks must be completely level and centered or your jump cups won’t fit correctly into the posts. When you’ve finished, the 2 posts should each have 9 lines marked around them at the same heights.

Make sure to be consistent and mark your “X” markings on the same 2 sides of the post. Do this for each of the 9 lines you’ve drawn on both posts. Repeat this process on the second post as well. Keep in mind that, when marking the center of the 9 lines on the second post, you won’t need to re-measure the width of the post, since the 2 posts are the same size.

Then, repeat the process and drill 9 more holes through the second post. As with the first post, hold the point of the drill bit in the center of an “X” mark, keep the bit level, and drill straight through the post. Make sure that the holes you drill through the posts are all on the same 2 sides. None of the drilled holes should be perpendicular to each other.

The jump cups will hold the bar at the height you select loosely enough that, should your horses’ hooves collide with the bar, it’ll easily fall from the cups.

A PVC pipe is light enough that, should your horse miss the jump and hit its hooves or knees against the bar, it won’t injure itself. If you’re concerned that PVC is too light, use landscaping timbers as a heavier alternative. [8] X Research source

If you prefer not to paint the jump, try applying a coat of stain instead. This will still protect the wood from the elements but won’t flake off with time.