Whether youre training or at a competition, walk any showjumping course and you will come across a range of different style of fences. From cross-poles to upright fences andoxer jumps, they are all designed to ask different things of your horse. Here is a selection of some of the fences you will see and what the course-designer hopes to achieve by placing them there:True oxersThese are made up of two vertical rails parallel to each other (ie at the same height). You may hear these described as being square.Oxer jumps are great for building strength behind and will encourage your horse to really stretch up and over the front and back rails.Because of the power your horse uses to push up and over, they may run on a little on landing, or lack energy because they used it up in the air.Ascending oxersLike true oxers, an ascending oxer is built with two vertical rails parallel to one another. However, in an ascending oxer the back pole is set slightly higher than the front, which will encourage your horse to jump in the correct shape.Particularly at the lower levels, these make inviting first fences on a course and the front pole may be replaced with a cross-pole instead.Swedish oxersSwedish oxers, where the front and back poles slant in opposite directions, are especially useful. The centre point, created by the V shape where the poles cross, will help with straightness and tells the rider exactly where the centre of the fence is (this is where you should be aiming to jump!). A Swedish oxer is also good for encouraging good lift and tuck of the horses front legs.Liverpool oxerThis is a vertical or oxer with a ditch or water tray underneath. The tray makes the horse look at the fence as they approach, which can cause their head and neck to drop, and then encourages them to get up in the air, creating a large, round jump.Place the tray in front of the fence and it mimics the effect of a triple bar, encouraging a wider, more open jump which rises gradually. Place the tray under the fence or out behind it and your horse will draw deep into the fence, producing a more upright take-off and more reach as they land.If you dont have a water tray to practice with at home, you can create the same effect by laying something on the ground beneath a fence, such as a rug.Triple barMade with three poles of ascending height, triple bars create a longer, more open jump. Your horse really has to stretch and lift their front end to clear them, and they can be challenging when linked with other fences. Because their width requires more power, your horse will come deeper into the fence before take-off and land further out than normal, so if youre working out your strides to the next fence keep this in mind.UprightsAn upright fence (also sometimes called a vertical) requires your horse to jump height rather than width. To clear it, your horse must roll back onto their hindquarters in order to push themselves up and over the fence. Its great for building strength and working on accuracy of take-off.A vertical (or upright) is made of poles in the same vertical plane, and encourages your horse to make a taller, rounder shape in their jump. The take-off and landing spots will be the same distance away from the fence, so your horse will make a steep shape into it, lifting the shoulders higher vertically and tucking their forelegs up and away quickly.PlanksPossibly the king of uprights! Planks work in the same way as a vertical, creating a tall, steep jump shape. However, theyre potentially easier to knock down with even the slightest of touches as they sit on flat cups. Planks create a more solid-looking fence, so your horse may back off a bit and produce a bigger jump. As they tend not to have a ground line, theyll draw the horse in deep, meaning a more powerful jump is needed to clear them.This type of fence tends to come in quirky, brightly coloured patterns, too!FillersGreat for adding a bit of colour and interest to a course and more often rider frighteners than a problem for the horse! Fillers are great for getting a round shape in your horses jump, and by creating an illusion of solid colour theyll really look at what theyre approaching.Fillers are great for a bold horse because they demand respect, but if theyre lacking in confidence, fillers can make a fence trickier to ride. Cross-polesCross-poles create a V shape at the centre point, which becomes narrower as the height of the jump increases. They encourage your horse to lift the front legs, keeping them neatly tucked up and in as they jump.Many people choose to begin with a cross-pole in the warm-up, sometimes jumping from trot especially on younger/inexperienced horses.The taller the cross-pole the more it will improve a horses action, as they have to really use their shoulders and lift up.Raised trotting polesPopular in training and for good reason, raised trotting poles make your horse work hard, keep them interested in their work, and help them concentrate.Raised poles can be physically demanding, so you dont need to work over them for too long.Ground polesPopular in training, a ground pole can really boost your horses bascule when used to create a wider fence base. The horse will instinctively know what to do. Without a ground line a fence becomes more advanced, drawing your horse in close, making it harder for them to jump well and get their legs out of the way in time.You can also make a V-shape with ground poles before fences to channel your horses energy on approach, helping produce a better jump.Main image Your Horse LibraryRelated contentThis is how to clear vertical showjumps and upright fences every timeHow to stop a horse chipping in a stride when jumpingFive of the most common rider jumping position problems solvedJump out of trot to test rider balance and build trust with this exercise from Piggy MarchThe post Showjumping fences explained: What different types of jumps mean for your horse appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham from Wednesday 7 Sunday 11 October, has announced that Redwings Horse Sanctuary will be its official charity of the year for 2026.HOYS will work alongside Redwings throughout this years show to raise awareness of equine welfare and support the charitys vital work rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for horses, ponies, donkeys and mules across the UK. We are delighted to welcome Redwings Horse Sanctuary as our Official Charity of the Year for 2026, said Emma Williams, Horse of the Year Show Event Director. The welfare of horses is at the heart of everything we do at Horse of the Year Show, so partnering with an organisation that works tirelessly to protect and improve the lives of horses is a natural fit. Redwings does incredible work across the UK, from rescuing horses in desperate need to providing lifelong care, rehoming and campaigning on some of the most important welfare issues facing horses today.Fireworks campaignThe partnership will see HOYS support Redwings Keep Horse In Mind campaign which highlights the impact fireworks can have on horses and encourages greater consideration for animals during celebrations. HOYS will help the charity to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage its audience to learn more about how fireworks can affect horses. Were thrilled to have been chosen as HOYS Official Charity of the Year, saidLynn Cutress, chief executive at Redwings.It is a challenging time for all charities and were very grateful for the opportunity to be able to share what we do with the HOYS audience, and how they can support our work. Image Redwings Horse Sanctuary.Related contentHorses and fireworks: advice to help equines cope on Bonfire NightEssential guide to horse health insuranceRichard Maxwell explains how to help a horse who is scaredHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsThe post HOYS reveals its charity of the year appeared first on Your Horse.

In partnership withWintec SaddlesIf youre preparing for competitions, it can feel like time in the arena should take priority to get your horse ready, whether you are riding between the white boards for dressage or soaring across fences in the jumping ring. It can mean that hacking falls to the wayside but maybe it shouldnt, because hacking offers plenty of benefits that are useful for every discipline.1. Finding confidenceHacking is a great way to build up your horses confidence, as well as your own, because of everything you can encounter when riding out. It can take time for your horse to become comfortable and relaxed out hacking, particularly if its not something theyve done much of in the past, but getting them more comfortable hacking will translate to better confidence at shows for you both.2. Desensitising in new spacesCompetitions can be busy, overwhelming environments for our horses, which is why hacking can help to prepare them. You encounter all sorts when out and about vehicles, farm machinery, noises on the other side of hedges, dog walkers the list is endless. And while its daunting, theyre likely to encounter similar when at a big show.3. Improving fitnessNo matter what discipline you do, your horse needs to be fit. If they arent, theyll struggle to do their best that might mean falling behind the leg, knocking poles when jumping or struggling to collect or lengthen their stride whilst doing a dressage test.Hacking offers the opportunity to better your horses fitness as you can ride for long periods in all the paces. You could also give interval training a go, which when done correctly saves time and reduces the risk of injury while improving fitness.4. Bettering their pacesWhilst you can do plenty in the arena to improve your horses paces, sometimes taking them out of the arena can help.Getting out hacking can improve forwardness, balance and rhythm. Its also a great opportunity to practise shortening and lengthening each pace.You can also work on your contact although not for hours at a time if youre heading out for long rides.5. Practising your gallopTheres only so fast you can go in an arena, and if you have a cross country competition on the horizon, or want to improve your individual show in a showing class, youll want to work on your gallop. Hacking along bridleways can offer the opportunity to practise opening up their stride, as long as the conditions are safe.6. Time to relaxHacking isnt just about work. It offers the chance for you and your horse to relax and switch off from a busy training schedule. You can enjoy the time in each others company and improve your bond and trust in each other which will in turn, better your competition performance.This content is brought to you in partnership withWintec Saddles, durable, comfortable, easy-care, weather-proof saddles for everyone.Further reading5 ways regular schooling will benefit horses and riders who exclusively hackWhy hacking is so good for fitness plus how to track improvementsWhat is #Hack1000Miles? *VIDEO*The post How hacking can improve your competition performance appeared first on Your Horse.

A pony who was hit by a car is making remarkable progress at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Norfolk.Arthur arrived at World Horse Welfares Norfolk base in July this year after the charity received a call about a young pony whod been struck by a car and suffered injuries to his face and a wound to his hindquarters.World Horse Welfare left an abandonment notice at the location where Arthur was found but no owner came forward so he was taken into the charitys ownership and will be rehomed when he is ready.UnhandledWhen we went out to rescue Arthur, it appeared that hed had very little handling, but he has such a wonderful nature that I was able to get a headcollar on him, said Lorraine Holmes, yard supervisor at World Horse Welfares Hall Farm.He loaded really well, which was amazing given what hed just been through.We kept Arthur occupied with some pony nuts and he let the vet check him over thoroughly and flush the wound on his hindquarters, which we were worried could get infected. It was amazing how he took it all in his stride his gentle nature really shone through.The wound on Arthurs hindquarters.Galaxy S23 FE f/1.8 1/180s 5.54mm ISO125Amazingly calmThanks to daily care from the Hall Farm team, Arthurs injuries are healing well. His groom Martha has even trained him to wear a fly mask to keep his facial wounds clean.Once again, Arthur was amazingly calm and was soon happy to have his fly mask put on and off, continued Lorraine. Hes a really lovely character and has been a joy to work with ever since we first brought him in hes come so far with his handling skills already. Now were waiting for some cooler weather so that he can be castrated as the next step in his rehabilitation journey.When hes eventually ready to find a home of his own, whoever rehomes him is going to be getting a fabulous little pony.To make a donation to help Arthurs care and recovery click here.Image World Horse Welfare.More from Your HorseWelcome to the family girls: Stacey Solomon rehomes miniature Shetlands Thumbelina and MermaidAge-appropriate training: this is when horses physically matureEvery horse owners worst nightmare: how to help prevent stable firesThe post Abandoned pony hit by car begins road to recovery at World Horse Welfare appeared first on Your Horse.

Ocala, FL Get ready for a barking spooktacular time! On Saturday, October 24, the fourth annual Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest takes over World Equestrian Center Ocala. Join this free event and dress your pup in their Halloween best for an evening of costumes, prizes and plenty of four-legged fun. No pup? No problem. Spectators are welcome. Enter your dog in the costume contestSource

Ocala, FL Entries and stall reservations are now open for the 2026 November and December Show Series, featuring four weeks of USEF-sanctioned hunter/jumper competition from November 4-15 and December 1-13. The December Show Series will feature Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* and CSI1* competition during Week I. New for 2026, Week II will showcase CSI4* and CSI2* competitionSource

Taylor Vard has named the 2026 Team Ireland Equestrian Young Horse Jumping Squad that will compete at the 2026 FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships taking place in Lanaken, Belgium from the 16th 20th of SeptemberSpeaking on his selections Taylor Vard commented:Congratulations to the owners and riders on your selection, as always its not easy to put teams together and not disappoint someone, but Lanaken is just one show and there will always be a championship at every stage of our horses journey.Feedback regarding the change to the five-year-old finals using optimal time has been mixed, it will be interesting to see how it is received at the championships.The best of luck to everyone going and there will probably be some changes as we get closer to the show with horses getting sold.Thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and everyone in Horse Sport Ireland working behind the scenes to organise paperwork for our teams.Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development with Horse Sport Ireland, Sonja Egan, PhD, added: Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to announce the team for the upcoming FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken.We are delighted to have such a strong team representing Ireland across the 5-, 6- and 7-year-old categories, and I would like to congratulate all of the breeders, riders and owners on their selection for this prestigious Championship. Qualifying for Lanaken is a significant achievement for every combination, and I commend all involved for the careful and consistent production of these horses through the national young horse classes throughout the season.I would also like to thank Taylor Vard for travelling across the country throughout the season to view the horses and for his thorough and considered assessment of each combination that registered their interest.HSI, and I personally, are very much looking forward to supporting the Irish Studbook teams at the FEI WBFSH World Breeding Jumping Championships in Lanaken. We wish all of the competing breeders, owners and riders the very best of luck and every success at the Championships.Participation at the FEI WBFSH Showjumping World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under National Breeding Services.Furter information on the show can be found hereSeven-Year-Old DAFM Studbook Series League Winner HHS Lexington (ISH) and Max Foley (IRL) are Lanaken boundTeam Ireland Selected horses are as follows:Five-Year-Old TeamABC Mayflower (ISH)2021 mare by Tangelo Van De Zuuthoeve (BWP) out of Ardnehue Diamond Cruiser (ISH)(TIH), by Cruising (ISH)(TIH). Bred by Patrick Kehoe, county Carlow, and owned by Gerald Burke.Ridden by Gemma Phelan (IRL)BP Bob Rock (ISH)2021 gelding by Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Arraghbeg Clover (ISH), by Captain Clover (ISH)(TIH). Bred by GBBS International Ltd, county Tipperary, and owned by Keith Ennis.Ridden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)Cal Bos Rok Princess (ISH)2021 mare by Rock N Roll Ter Putte (BWP) out of Princess Pacino (ISH) by Pacino (BWP). Bred by Carmel Lynch, county Cavan, and owned by Stephen Lowry.Ridden by Joshua James Lynch (IRL)Elma Bo (ISH)2021 mare by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Manory H (KWPN), by Hernandez TN (KWPN). Bred by Jack Ryan, county Kilkenny, and owned by Abigail Boland.Ridden by Abigail Boland (IRL)GLC Mr President (ISH)2021 gelding by Conthargos (OLD) out of Mullentine Good Friday (ISH), by Untouchable 27 (KWPN). Bred and owned by Garreth Cassidy, county Derry.Ridden by Coen Williams (IRL)Soco Flex (ISH)2021 gelding by SHS Soco Blue (HOLST) out of Flexamarenca (ISH), by Flex a Bill (ISH)(TIH). Bred and owned by Eddie Moloney, county Kilkenny.Ridden by Eddie Moloney (IRL)Six-Year-Old TeamBoleybawn Alexa (ISH)2020 mare, by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Arina (BWP), by Crown Z (ZANG).Bred and owned by Boleybawn Horses Ltd., county Wicklow.Ridden by Harry Wood (GB)Castlefield Tycoon (ISH) (Ballyv Mr. T)2020 gelding, by Tyson (KWPN) out of Witty Luterra C (KWPN) by Lupicor (KWPN). Bred by Sean Stafford, county Wexford, and owned by Martin EganRidden by Jason FoleyGalwaybay Jim (ISH)2020 gelding, by Catoki (HOLST) out of Galwaybay Anika (ISH), by Kannan (KWPN).Bred by Justin Burke, county Galway, and owned by John RyanRidden by Jack RyanKilbrackan Stakatto (ISH)2020 mare by Stakatto Gold (HANN) out of Chambery De La Pomme (IFCE), by Elvis Ter Putte (BWP). Bred by Donal Cadden, county Leitrim, and owed by Bruna Batista de OliveiraRidden by Molly Hughes Bravo (POR)Newmarket Pretty Lady (ISH)2020 mare by Newmarket Venture (HANN) out of Newmarket Pleasure (ISH), by Newmarket Jewel (WESTF). Bred by Billy Daly, county Cork, and owed by Adam FerrisRidden by Kian Dore (IRL)Ogue BT Grandato (ISH)2020 gelding by Grandorado TN (KWPN) out of Ogue Ali Furist (ISH), by Aldato (KWPN). Bred by Anne Murphy, county Wicklow, and owed by BT StablesRidden by Ethan Ahern (IRL)Parc Kesha WSH (ISH)2020 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of ASHTON ENA (SPH), by CANTURANO (HOLST). Bred by David Williams, county Clare, and owed by Williams Sport Horses LtdRidden by Coen Williams (IRL)Seven-Year-Old TeamGalwaybay Winningmood (ISH)2020 gelding by Winningmood Van De Arenberg (BWP) out of Galwaybay Merstona (ISH), by Mermus R (KWPN). Bred by Justin Burke, county Galway, and owned by Northlawn FarmRidden by Jack Ryan (IRL)HHS Lexington (ISH)2020 gelding by Luidam (KWPN) out of HHS Chantilly Lace (ISH), by Cavalier Royale (HOLST). Bred and owed by Marion Hughes, county KilkennyRidden by Max Foley (IRL)Kleio de Muse (ISH)2020 mare by Im Special De Muze (BWP) out of Legaland Rossas Girl (ISH), by Verdi (KWPN). Bred by Mcfadden Equine, county Tyrone and owed by Cavan Equestrian CentreRidden by Camryn Clarke (IRL)Parc Violeta (ISH)2020 mare by Kannan (KWPN) out of Ulanda D (KWPN), by Emilion (KWPN). Bred and owed by Paula Williams, county ClareRidden by Coen Williams (IRL)Rosconnell Tango (ISH)2020 gelding by Tyson (KWPN) out of CSF Sophie (ISH), by Goodluck VDL (KWPN). Bred by Mairead Lacey, county Laois, and owed by Keith EnnisRidden by Niamh McEvoy (IRL)Tullibards Pandora (ISH)2020 by Tullibards Bennys Legacy (OLD) out of Tullibards Somanyquestions (HANN), by Grandeur (HANN). Bred owed by Hans Jurgen Kuehnle, county LaoisRidden by Michael Pender (IRL)Wildcard selected horses and riders are as follows:Five-Year-Olds:Rhea-Duela Taylor CumminsRomai Alisha VardRustanza P Shane TreanorValentino JS Coen WilliamsVibe of Picobello Z Gemma PhelanSix-Year-OldsCodex Girl van Twelve Oaks Z Rhys WilliamsKassie Devine Z Jenny RankinOlga DEcaussinnes Kian DoreUkina Emily MoloneyUmbrillio Van Het Kapelhof Stephen GibbonsSeven-Year-OldsJasmin dAriel Niamh McEvoyOcean David SimpsonRials Varinjo Jessica BurkeTop Gun VD Bisschop Sophie RichardsTyfoon VD Donkhoeve Kian DoreA reserve list of horse and rider combinations will be published next weekThe post Young Horse Squad to compete at World Championships in Lanaken named appeared first on .