In show jumping, the obstacles are, without a doubt, at the absolute center of attention. They come in different colors, constellations and combinations – and can seem just as daunting as magnificent. There are many kinds of obstacles, but in this article, we have listed the most common ones in the show jumping arenas out there.

Show jumping is one of the most common equestrian disciplines. It originates from the 18^th century’s English countryside, where obstacles were a part of traditional fox hunting. Since the early 1900s, show jumping has been included in the Olympic Games. 

Today, there are different forms of jumping classes and disciplines (such as show jumping, hunting, eventing, cross-country etc.), but what they all have in common is the obstacles that the horse is meant to jump. 

So, here is a selection of different types of obstacles:

1. Vertical

The vertical is, as the name suggests, a vertical jump with a number of either poles or planks (i.e. “flat poles”).

2. Crossrail

A crossrail is an obstacle that does not usually appear at competitions. However, they are commonly used in exercises at home.

3. Parallel Oxer 

An oxer consists of two sets of jump stands and poles. The first set is similar to a vertical jump, while the second one simply holds one pole, matching the height of the first set. The width of the oxer varies depending on the horse’s ability and size.

For a parallel oxer, the top pole of both sets of jump stands are at the same height, making the oxer even.

4. Ascending Oxer

For an ascending oxer, the top pole of the second set is higher than the top pole of the first set.

5. Triple Bar

A triple bar is like an ascending oxer, but with three sets. 

6. Fan

A fan is an obstacle that, quite literally, looks like a handheld folding fan. Think of a triple bar, but with all poles proceeding from the same stand on one end, while being spread and held separately by three (or more) stands on the other end.

7. Hogsback

The hogsback is also similar to a triple bar, but with the middle pole being the highest one.

8. Gate

An obstacle consisting of a gate, being held by two jump stands.

9. Wall

A wall is an obstacle that resembles a brick wall, and it is built with pieces that make a more massive-looking, solid jump. The stands often look like gate posts or towers.

10. Plank

A plank is a vertical built with flat poles (planks).

11. Liverpool

A water jump where a water tray is placed under a vertical or an oxer.

12. Open Water

A wider water jump where there is a ditch of water behind a vertical or a lower gate, alternatively hedge.

13. Cavaletti

Cavaletti are poles held by smaller, buildable blocks. Cavalettis are used for training sessions and exercises. 

14. Bank

A cross-country obstacle that can be placed in jumping arenas. A bank is a formation similar to a stair step, where the bank’s ground level is higher than the arena’s ground level. You can jump a bank up, down, or across.

15. Double Combination

A combination is a series of obstacles that count as one obstacle. A combination is usually made up of verticals and oxers, and there is little space between them. The amount of canter strides between the obstacles differs, and the distance between the jumps varies depending on the size of the horse, for example.

A double combination is made with two obstacles.

Psst… check out our Show Jumping Distance Sheet if you haven’t already!

16. Triple Combination

A combination made with three obstacles.

 There we go! Which one of these are you trying out today? 😎

Remember, this is a selection of different types of obstacles in show jumping – there are more of them out there! Also, names and definitions may vary in different traditions or parts of the world.

Download a PDF of the types of obstacles here.