Horse Jump Cups – Which Type is Right for Your Riding Style?
There are a variety of horse jumping disciplines. Each discipline requires a different type of horse and rider.
The type of obstacle and the order in which they are jumped affect how a horse will approach the fence. For example, a table is more comprehensive than an open oxer and requires the rider to take off more profoundly than a vertical.
Keyhole Pinless Reversible Nylon Jump Cups
Made of super tough nylon, these jump cups slide into the keyhole track on the standard and do not require pins to hold them in place. They are reversible, with one side having a shallow depth and the other flat for a gate or plank, providing flexibility for riders. These cups are USEF & FEI approved and work with most keyhole track systems today.
These types of safety release cups are designed to drop a rail when rubbed or hit by the horse, which helps prevent injury to the rider. They are also constructed to be more stable than traditional metal jump cups, making them an excellent choice for schooling and training.
These cups are available in several different depths to meet discipline requirements. The shallow cup is excellent for hunter fences, while the more bottomless cups are used for dressage jumps. These are also available with a ground line to help the rider calculate takeoff distances.
Wooden Jump Cups
When jumping, like in kids horse jumps, a horse needs to be able to break away from the jump rail in case of an accident. The jump cup helps keep the pole in place but is shallow enough to allow it to dislodge with little force, which helps prevent injuries.
These traditional metal jump cups are made from professional-grade steel and powder coated to resist weather elements and rust. They are designed to fit 4×4 standards and come in a cupped or flat style.
This set of wooden jump cups includes a chain that keeps the cotter pin attached so it never gets lost. They are easily painted in the color of your choice. Use a drill press to help you get a straight hole, or your peg may not fit through the cup. These are great for building your jumps and are much cheaper than the other cups. They are easy to use with one hand and an excellent alternative to buying a complete kit.
Traditional Metal Pinless Jump Cups
Professional-grade steel cups are rubber coated for durability. They’re shaped to maximize safety, and the fact that they don’t use pins means riders don’tdon’t have to worry about losing them in the sand, which can pose a hazard for horses. They’reThey’re also reversible, with a flat side for gates or plank and a curved side to hold a rail for added versatility.
This type of jump cup is a good choice for hunters, as it’s shallow enough to prevent the pole from falling when a horse hits it. However, a hunter cup can be too deep for a schooling fence. Hence, it’s essential to regularly inspect jump cups for damage and proper engagement in the keyhole track to avoid potential injuries. Also, properly space and line up jump cups to avoid eye-cutting/puncturing hazards. Wooden jumps also require regular painting/maintenance.
Plastic Jump Cups
Jump cups are an essential arena piece of equipment that can significantly impact your horse’shorse’s jumping skills and how easily you can adjust your jump height. These are available in both metal and plastic varieties.
Metal is heavier and may be more prone to rusting over time. These are usually coated with enamel to help with this issue. They can be harder to manipulate but are often stronger than plastic options.
These have the benefit of not requiring pins to secure the cup. This makes them safer to use, as you won’twon’t have to worry about losing a pin in the sand and creating a potential hazard for your horse. You can flip them over to utilize the flat side for a gate or plank, allowing you more flexibility in your jump layouts. They work well with most keyhole tracks.
