Types of Show Jumps and Cross Country Fences Explained

Understanding the different types of show jumps and cross country fences is essential for riders preparing for competition. This guide covers the most commonly encountered fences and offers top tips for a successful eventing experience.

Show Jumps: Common Types You’ll Encounter

Cross Pole: Two poles arranged in an X shape, commonly used as a warm-up fence. Its clear centre helps train a horse’s straightness and approach.

Upright (Vertical): A single pole placed at a uniform height, often paired with a slanted drop pole underneath. It tests the horse’s ability to clear height without spread.

Spread: Wider fences typically consisting of two verticals side by side with two top poles. An ascending spread features a slightly lower front pole, encouraging the horse to adjust its stride.

Parallel or Oxer: A spread fence where both the front and back rails are at the same height, making the jump wide and square. This tests both height and width clearance.

Swedish Oxer: A challenging wide fence where poles lean in opposite directions forming an ‘X’ when seen head-on, requiring precision from horse and rider.

Gate: A horizontal white fence usually suspended between two flat cups. While visually distinct, it must be approached with care.

Wall: A solid fence made from brick-patterned panels, often red with white coping on top. Variants like the viaduct wall have recesses to mimic architectural features.

Liverpool: Incorporates a water tray or ditch below a vertical or an oxer, requiring the horse to confidently clear the water element.

Filler: Painted wooden boards placed under poles at higher levels, or alongside wings at lower levels. Fillers can be visually intimidating, so they’re introduced carefully to young or inexperienced horses.

Cross Country Fences: Types and Challenges

Table: A large, square wooden platform obstacle, often about as wide as it is high, demanding boldness and precision.

Chair: Resembling a bench, the seat faces the oncoming rider. This solid fence requires confidence during approach and takeoff.

Roll Top: Rounded and tubular in shape, made of closely slatted wood, either natural or painted. It tests the horse’s willingness to embrace unusual shapes.

Ditch: Rarely seen alone; usually combined with other rails or as part of complex obstacles like the coffin.

Coffin: A technical combination comprising a rail, a ditch two or three strides ahead, then another rail further on. True coffins utilise natural terrain hollows, adding the challenge of elevation.

Corner: A triangular, often solid wood fence. Variations in angle and placement increase difficulty, especially on slopes or curves requiring precise lines.

Steps: Ascending or descending terrain steps. Beginners face single steps; advanced levels incorporate sequences, requiring balance and adjustability.

Drop: Utilises natural ground contours where the landing is lower than the take-off. Riders must lean back to maintain balance, adapting their jumping position.

Trakehner: A distinctive obstacle combining a ditch with a log or rail over it. Configurations may vary from straight to angled rails with variable ditch width and height depending on competition level.

Water: Fences with a water element. Easier courses have straightforward runs through water; more advanced feature jumps into and out of water, as well as fences within it.

Steeplechase Fence: A bold, imposing wooden frame covered in brush, demanding forward and confident riding.

Skinny: Refers to any narrow fence—roll tops, small houses, or short brush sections—that tests accuracy and forwardness. Often linked to other fences, they challenge the rider’s ability to pick and maintain lines.

Top Competition Tips for Show Jumping and Cross Country

• Warm-ups in show jumping often include a cross pole, an upright, and a spread whose height can be adjusted to suit practice needs.
• Fences in competition are marked with red and white flags; always ensure the red flag is on your right when approaching a jump.
• Fence height, width, and complexity are governed by competition level rules set by national and international bodies—always train appropriately.
• Observe and school over fences that your horse finds intimidating to build confidence and familiarity.
• Many cross country venues offer schooling days or post-competition practice, allowing riders to acclimate to competition-standard fences safely.
• Check that hats and body protectors meet current UK safety standards for your discipline; rules can vary between pure show jumping and combined eventing.
• A medical armband is typically required for cross country phases—confirm requirements with your event organiser.