If you board your horse at home or a small local stable, chances are you don’t have a fancy course of jumps on which to practice. The good news is that you can build your own standards with a few common power tools and materials. Inexpensive landscaping poles can be purchased for around $3 each to complete the project. Here’s what you’ll need to get started, followed by step-by-step tips.
TOOLS: Saw or chainsaw and circular saw, drill with ¼-inch bit, ½-inch spade bit and Phillips head screwdriver
MATERIALS: One 8-foot length of treated 4”x4” wood, two 8-foot lengths of treated 1”x4” wood, box of 1 1/2-inch wood screws and pair of jump cups
|
Step 1: Prop the 4”x4” beam up off the ground; sawhorses or bags of shavings/hay bales work equally well. Measure and saw into two four-foot halves. |
Step 2: Measure 18” away from the ground end on each of the four-foot pieces just cut. Start marking for jump cup holes in the center of the beam every three inches until you get to the top. |
|
Step 3: Using the ¼-inch drill bit, make a hole at each mark, all the way through the beam. Switch to the ½-inch spade bit and widen each existing hole. |
Step 4: Prop a 1”x4” plank off the ground, measuring and marking every 20”. Using the saw or circular saw, cut the board into four “jump feet.” Repeat with other 1”x4” plank. |
|
Step 5: Prop up a four-foot 4”x4” beam so one of the feet lines up at a 90-degree angle along the bottom. Use two screws to mount the foot to the base of the beam. |
Step 6: Rotate the beam and continue mounting the other three feet in a pinwheel pattern, using two screws for each one. |
|
Step 7: Set up your new standard to make sure it’s sturdy, then try mounting a jump cup and pin to check the fit through the holes. |
|
Now you’re ready to tack up and try your new jump!
Learn how to make your own Cross-Country jumps here>>