Jump Poles... What do you use?

[SouthernYankee]

I’m back in the game! I have been riding reiners for the past few years and brought my new eventing horse home yesterday. Easy part is done, now comes the work

I have jump standards, but no poles. I’m not wanting anything fancy, just something I can use for schooling at home.

What does everyone use for their jump poles that is affordable? I’m looking for wood. Craigslist didn’t turn anything up. Landscape timbers seem to only come in 8’ length, which would work but I’m not sure how long those would last? We could cut the corners off a 4x4 but at $10.00++ each that adds up very quick. Would lumber mills have something? Anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks!

[LAZ]

I’ve always done the 4 x 4 x 10 & planed off the edges with a saw, but I just broke down & bought 50 10’ poles from Old Dominion. They are sanded & filled & look so pretty, just waiting for paint.

[whitney159]

We have a lumber mill that specializes in fencing products (General Timber) that sells a 4 inch diameter round pole that is pressure treated and 12 feet long, last price I think was about $8 a pole. Southern States sells their wood products (fence posts etc) so might be worth checking into.

[Zaney]

I go to home depot and get teh 8’ ones. they are already rounded so dont have to worry about that, plus it helps you ride a slightly narrower jump with out actually being too hard or a skinny (and you can fit more in a smaller space, and they are lighter). On top of that they are usually 3.99 each

[judybigredpony]

I buy 12 foot poles from the Feed store…but cut them to 10 foot…I found 10 foot poles less likely to snap if hit then when 12 ft. Landscape poles are just fine

[Mango20]

I like the landscape timbers for rounded wood at a great price. 8’ is wide enough, and so far mine have lasted just fine for several years. I also have some 10’ PVC pipes.

[Blugal]

I love my landscaping rails I bought a couple of years ago. They are treated (no painting), are great as trot rails (don’t move) and are just fine for the width of the jump - actually gives you more room in the ring. They are light to carry (can carry two at once) - no more struggling with what seems like 50 pound 12-foot rails!

And yes, the price is great too.

[Manahmanah]

I also use the landscape timbers. They last quite some time as they are treated already, I wouldn’t be worried about that. I do paint mine but that is just for aesthetics. Cost is a huge factor for me and I can buy 5 of these for the cost of a single show quality pole. As a bonus when your horse is used to navigating the 8’ers the nice wide jumps at shows look extra inviting!

Eta - as mentioned above the smaller size is great for my smaller arena!!

[FitToBeTied]

4x4’s at varying lengths and plane the corners off them. I actually buy pvc pipe from the HW store for ground rails. No need moving around extra weight when you don’t need to.

Trex decking boards cut down nicely for making plank jumps.

[butiwantedapony]

I also use landscape timber - 8’ is plenty wide, takes up less of my arena when jumps are set up. I cut some of them even smaller to make skinny jumps - these work great with my 3’ and 4’ standards.

[Robin]

I second the idea of fence posts. We make and sell jump
items and get our jump poles from a manufacturer who
sells fence posts. Ask farm supplies or extension where
to buy fencing supplies for fencing elk or deer; those kinds
of animals usually require a 12’ fence post for their containment.

[SmartAlex]

I use the landscape timbers. Some I’ve had for over 5 years and despite the fact that my husband was seriously displeased with their quality, only one has curled. A great value for the price. Keep an eye out for a special price and load up.

[Chestnut_Run]

Another vote for landscape timbers. The 8 foot in my book is great–keeps the weight down cause 10 and 12 foot wood poles are HEAVY, plus when we get to a show, 10 and 12 foot jumps look super wide and inviting. I have some that are going on 12 years old now. And it’s not like I was taking good care of them–no paint, left on the ground through the winter, etc.

I got some just last year at Lowes. They were on sale for $2.49 a piece. Normally, though, I think they are $3.99.

Sheila

[Hey_Mickey]

I use landscape timbers also! I like them for all the same reasons already mentioned.
Cheap, easy to move, already rounded, they hold paint, treated.

[eponacowgirl]

Don’t doubt me, you heifer.

We’ve had the same landscape timbers since I started working at SPF and just this year things are starting to break. But considering how much they get used/moved/abused… We did paint ours but you don’t need to. I’ve taught countless kids and horses to event with 8’ poles. So there.

[PonyFever]

Some of my landscape timbers are over 15 years old. I never kept them indoors so they did endure many snow winters. I did have to replace some over the years but I still find their longevity to to be very impressive!

I also agree that the 8’ length makes them easier to move and they do take up less space when set up. And they don’t move when used as trotting poles!

[FlightCheck]

Landscape timbers!

[SouthernYankee]

[QUOTE=eponacowgirl;7375278]
Don’t doubt me, you heifer. ;)[/QUOTE]

I posted this before I asked you!!!

Looks like I’ll be stocking up on landscape timbers! Thanks everyone for the feedback.

[pryme_thyme]

I too use landscape timbers. I know they are narrow but using them at home is great training, it makes the jumps at the shows, however filled, seem so inviting!
I swear they scream come hither! :lol:

I purchased some stripped cedar rails in 12ft lengths too. I plan to paint this year now that they have dried out.

The landscape timbers are great ground poles since they don’t roll as easily when hit.

[Spyder]

Another vote for the pressure treated landscape timbers. Light enough to carry around easily and more stable as ground poles.