A fencer will use different types of fences in their show ring based on what type of rider they are and what their goals are for the day. Each type of fence has its own specific purpose and design parameters that make it suitable for use in a particular situation. Fences are used to challenge the horse’s performance and test his jumping ability under various conditions. Understanding the different types of fences and their uses will help you select the best one for your needs on any given day.
The most common type of fences used in show jumping have a rectangular frame with a crossrail running up the inside edge. They can be made out of wood or metal and are usually painted yellow or white. This type of jump may also include a tape or blue line painted on the crossrail so the judge can see where the horse is aiming.Jump fences are used to test the horse’s ability to clear a medium height jump. They are usually no more than 12 feet high and require a combination of speed, balance, and a well-timed approach to clear them. The fences are usually set in a line of three to six fences that vary in height so the rider can practice adjusting his or her style of jumping as the course progresses.
Ride-throughs are similar to jump fences in that they are usually rectangular structures with a crossrail. The main difference is that ride-throughs are designed to be ridden through rather than jumped over. The rider must be able to control the horse’s speed and stop him before he reaches the end of the rail. This type of fence is often used as a warm-up or finishing fence and can be set at varying heights depending on the course of the day.Ride-throughs are used to test a horse’s ability to maintain control under pressure. They are often used to warm up the horse and get him used to the atmosphere of the ring before the more challenging fences are introduced.
Rotating pads are similar to ride-throughs in that they are usually rectangular structures with a crossrail. The main difference is that rotating pads are designed to be jumped in a single approach rather than ridden through. Rotating pads are often used to test a horse’s ability to clear a large jump at speed.This type of jump may be set at varying heights depending on the course of the day. The rider must be able to control the horse’s speed and stop him before he reaches the end of the rail.Rotating pads are used to test a horse’s ability to clear a large jump at speed. This type of jump may be set at varying heights depending on the course of the day. The rider must be able to control the horse’s speed and stop him before he reaches the end of the rail.
A proving grid is a type of vertical jump that is also referred to as a “sand-board”. This type of jump is usually no more than 8 feet tall and is often used in the event the rider is having difficulty clearing small fences.Proving grids are used to test a horse’s ability to clear a small jump at speed. This type of jump may be set at varying heights depending on the course of the day. The rider must be able to control the horse’s speed and stop him before he reaches the end of the rail.Proving grids are used to test a horse’s ability to clear a small jump at speed. This type of jump may be set at varying heights depending on the course of the day. The rider must be able to control the horse’s speed and stop him before he reaches the end of the rail.
Fences are an important part of the show ring environment and are used to test the rider and horse’s ability to perform under different conditions. There are many different types of fences used in show jumping, each with its own purpose and design parameters. Understanding these different types can help you select the best one for your needs on any given day.