What are the different types of show jumping fences?

There are many different types of show jumping fences. Fences are used to separate the different categories in the show ring and create a challenging atmosphere for spectators. Different fences are used for different types of riding, for example fences for hunters have stiffer rails than fences used for dressage or cross-country. Fences vary in height from 1.0m to 3.5m. There is not one specific type of fence for every discipline; rather, each type of fence is used for a specific purpose. The following descriptions describe some of the main types of show jumping fences and their uses:

Saddle Barrier

A Saddle Barrier is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. Saddle Barriers usually consist of three or four panels and are made of either wood, steel or plastic. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.Saddle Barriers are usually 1.2m to 3.5m high and are used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes.

Water Fence

A Water Fence is made of two or three panels and is usually 2m high. It is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A water fence can be used as a cross-fence, where the animals jump over water, or as a wall, where the animals jump through water. Water fences are usually made of wood, although some fences are made with metal panels and floating boards.

Metal Fence

A Metal Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A metal fence can be made of either steel or aluminum. A metal fencing system is more common than a single gate system, which is usually used for Saddle Barriers.

Trapeze Fence

A Trapeze Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A trapeze fence can be either a two-panel or a three-panel gate. The two-panel gate is usually attached to metal posts, while the three-panel gate is usually attached to wooden posts.

Dressage Fence

A Dressage Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A dressage fence is usually 2.8m to 3.5m high. A dressage fence is only used for the sport of dressage, but is often mistakenly called a show jumping fence.

Bird Cage Fence

A Bird Cage Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A Bird Cage Fence can be made of either wood or metal panels.A Bird Cage Fence can be used as a cross-fence or as a wall. It is usually 5m or 6m high.

Cricket Net Fence

A Cricket Net Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A cricket net fence can be made of either metal or wood panels.A cricket net fence is made up of a series of panels, usually measuring 8m by 1m and 8m by 2m.

Bungee Fence

A Bungee Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A bungee fence can be made of either wood or metal panels.A bungee fence is usually 2m or 2.5m high.

Miscellaneous Fences

A Miscellaneous Fence is used to separate the different categories in the show ring, including the hunters and hunters-only classes. The panels are usually attached to wooden posts.A miscellaneous fence is usually 2m to 2.5m high. A miscellaneous fence is used for the sport of eventing. This type of fence is also known as a stadium jump.

Bottom line

The type of fences used in show jumping will depend on the type of riding being displayed at the ring. Each type of fence serves a specific purpose. The right type of fence for your event will help create the right atmosphere and let spectators see the rider at their best.