Learning horse jump accessories is essential to competitive show jumping, eventing, and trail riding. It also helps you learn to ride your horse with confidence.
Several items are required for jumping, including a close-contact saddle and a half pad. You can also choose to wear gloves and a safety helmet.
Breeches
Breeches are a type of pants that are used in horseback riding. They have specific properties that make it easier for riders to feel comfortable while riding.
They also offer protection from chafing and provide better adhesion in the saddle. In addition, they are available in various shapes and sizes to suit riders of different heights and skill levels.
A good pair of breeches should be made of high-quality fabrics and feature an ergonomic shape to maximize comfort and support. They should also withstand abrasion and stains from grass, manure, and horse slobber.
A good pair of breeches should be a top priority if you’re starting in equestrian sports. For example, the right breeches can improve your horse jumping experience by making jumping more successful and with less effort easier.
Gloves
Having the right horse jump accessories to protect your hands is essential if you are an aspiring horse jumper. Whether you are training to jump in a ring or on the trail, gloves can help protect your hands while providing a good grip on the reins.
Riding gloves are available in various styles and sizes to fit your unique needs and riding style.
When buying a pair of riding gloves, consider the type of work you do and the weather conditions you expect to encounter. For example, if you will be riding in the winter, a pair of Thinsulate-lined riding gloves that are lightweight and breathable is an excellent choice.
If jumping over fences, look for a glove that features long knit cuffs to keep your wrist warm over fences and a velcro wrist closure to ensure your gloves stay in place. In addition, full-grip palms provide the most rein contact and reduce slipping.
Gridwork
Gridwork is a simple jumping exercise that helps horses and riders establish the rhythm required to jump a line of fences successfully. It can also help horses and riders learn how to think ahead without interfering with each other.
It’s a good idea to work on gridwork from a trot approach, as it will be easier to maintain rhythm and balance. Once the horse and rider are confident about this approach, you can switch to a canter approach, but make sure to alter the distances.
Place ground poles between fences to vary the challenge and encourage the horse to lengthen or shorten his stride. It can be done as the horse comes down the fence or at the end of each line of fences.
Once the horse can jump through the grids consistently, add another single fence to the line. It will increase the level of challenge and get him thinking harder, ensuring he is constantly picking up the correct lead.
Lunge Whip
A lunge whip is a training aid to send your horse forward in a circle. A specialized whip for lunging is designed to be long enough to move the horse’s back and short enough not to feel like a significant burden.
As a learning horse jump accessory, a lunge whip is essential for beginners and those looking to condition or train their horses without a riding partner. Lunge whips come in various lengths and lash styles and are available in either nylon or cotton webbing.
If you start with lunging, a 100% cotton webbing line is the friendliest choice and is less likely to kink or twist than other materials, such as nylon. In addition, most lunge whips are made of soft and lightweight material and can be easily collapsed for storage or travel.
