If you’re looking for a horse jump for your yard, you might wonder how good they are. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to buy them because they’re not sure whether they’ll last and hold up to a child’s wear and tear. Fortunately, there are several factors you can consider before you purchase a wooden horse jump, including price, aesthetics, maintenance, and durability. These factors will help you determine which jump is suitable for your yard.
Aesthetics
There are several good reasons to own a horse jump accessories. Not only are they durable and practical, but they are also aesthetically pleasing. However, they do require some maintenance. Bad weather can do more damage than good, so keep yours protected. The best way to do this is to use the correct paint.
The best part is that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to paint a wooden jump properly. Use a brush that will not snag on silicone-based products. You’ll also want to seal it up with a coat of painter’s caulking. Wooden jumps are prone to rot and moisture, so protecting them from the elements is essential.
Durability
Wooden horse jumps are a common choice for professional jumpers. However, the durability of wooden jumps requires a lot of attention. If you don’t take care of them, they’ll rot.
The type of wood you choose will have a significant impact on the durability of your jump. It’s recommended to go with either Lodge pine or German spruce.
There are also new materials to choose from. For example, foam poles have become a popular schooling tool. They’re great for grid work and landing rails.
Vinyl is another option. Vinyl is lighter than wood, but it doesn’t last as long. This means that you won’t need to repaint your jumps as often. In addition, vinyl doesn’t splinter or crack.
Cost
A wooden horse jump is a worthwhile investment. You may be surprised at how cheap they can be. You can pick up a 10 ft X slant for less than $4,000. Compared to vinyl horse jumps, they are virtually maintenance-free. They are also a much safer option for your horses. Wooden jumps are more likely to stand the test of time. Besides, wood looks better.
One of the perks of owning a horse is the ability to ride in style. This is especially true if you’ve got an excellent stable mate. For that matter, a good horse can make even a mediocre jump look great. When it comes to competitions, you’ll want to ensure that your horse has the best jump possible, and a wooden one is a way to go.
Proper set-up
To set up wooden horse jumps, you must follow a few steps to make them sturdy and safe. This is especially important if you are planning to keep them outside. First, the jumps should be covered with something, so they will not get damaged from the ground.
Before you start, deciding how big you would like your jump to be is essential. A standard hunter and jumper width is 12 feet. In addition, you need to know what kind of boards you need to construct the jump. Ideally, pressure-treated lumber is recommended. It will resist moisture and rot better than non-treated wood.
You can also choose a color for your wooden jumps. Painting your jumps will protect the wood and provide a polished look. Paints that have a white base are recommended. White paint will also help you make the leap visible to your horse.
Maintenance
If you have a wooden horse jump, you know it requires a little maintenance. The best time to re-coat the wood is during the off-season when you aren’t using it for jumping. You also want to avoid exposing the wood to the elements.
There are several ways to keep your investment in top condition. First and foremost, a good-quality painter’s caulking can do wonders. This is not a replacement for a regular coat of paint but an extra layer of protection. Another good option is a wood treatment kit. Keeping a wooden horse jump clean and dry will prevent rot from setting in.
A well-designed wooden jump can withstand the rigors of years of use. For example, most hops are manufactured from premium-grade Euro-Spruce wood. As a bonus, the wood will maintain its optimum weight.