Jumps, Etc: Jumps, Dressage Arenas and Stable Equipment You Can Build

This is the book to buy....It is detailed but SIMPLE. Simple directions, shoping list for materials and it provides very good examples. You can't go wrong. When I started looking for books I bought several, too bad as this is the only one I needed and in fact is the only one I use. I looked at the other books for additional examples but relied on this books suggestions. Buy this one and forget the rest.....

Gage Slade's review initially made me decide not to buy the Jumps, etc. book! Further insight changed my mind--and I'm glad!!! I advise all prospective buyers to ignore that cranky person's review and read on. Remember, this book has approx. 75 pages of information, so it's concentrated and doesn't waste your time. It is not an encyclopedia nor a college-level construction course. But in those pages are sketches with detailed measurements, shopping lists (another review falsely accused it of being vague with that!!!) and tool lists. It also gives great advice I would have never known. The jump section is fantastic and very detailed in its measurements of particularly-named wood pieces. We will be first-time jump makers and this book is just the helpful guide I wanted!!! The book has a small, detailed section on MEASURING and SETTING UP the LINES for a dressage arena which is very helpful. My club kids are starting to do dressage and this will help set something up quickly wherever we want. It will also help at the fair show that I help at when we set up the already-existing chain set. It understandably assumes you already have proper footing AND chosen arena fencing--just as the jump section assumes you have your choice of arena fencing. It DOES give good ideas on what they suggest for the dressage letters and dressage arena borders like chain or rails, and HOW TO place the stakes as well as measure the letter placement. But, good grief, its purpose is not to lecture on arena fencing (just like jump arena fencing is not). Once measured out, how hard is it to lay out chain...or lay out cinder blocks and boards ...or railroad ties? Choosing what arena border to have takes just a little simple homework: What do the big shows use? What is our budget? This will determine whether to buy the pricey mail-order sets or go down to the lumber store and buy the materials yourself. I suggest to the disgruntled buyer, Gage Slade, that they buy a book specifically on full construction of dressage arena FENCING because this book's title, JUMPS, etc., says what it is: mainly Jumps and some etc. Even so, each different jump, cavalletti, or wing standard gets about 1-2 pages each, so having 5 pages for setting up a dressage arena actually takes the majority!!! (btw: 9 pages were on stable equipment: Mounting Block, Sign Post, Saddle Stand/Storage Box, Portable Saddle Rack, and Grooming Box...also Jump Logos, Jump Image Painting). Buy The Book. It's Well Worth It :)

The majority of this book is about building a wide variety of jumps. Also covered is stable equipment and dressage arenas. Covers: Determining Your Jump Needs, Shopping for Materials, Tools You'll Need, Shopping Lists & Construction, Notes for Jumps and Other Equipment, Basic Schooling Standards, Deluxe Schooling Standards, Wing Standards, Slant Wing Standards, Jump Poles, 12' X 2'6" Panel, 12' X 2'6" Picket, 12' X 2'6" Gate, Coop, 8' Cavalletti, Rolltop, Flower Boxes, Brush Box, 12' X 12' RR Crossing Planks, Mounting Block, Sign Post, Saddle Stand/Storage Box, Portable Saddle Rack, Grooming Box, Paint Brightens the Ring, Logo Jumps, Setting Up a Dressage Arena, Recommended Reading, and Safety Checklist. Thorough instructions. Very usable.

This is a great book for anyone wanting to build their own jumps or for model horse props. It covers jumps, cross country jumps dressage arenas even tack boxes, saddle racks, mounting blocks and stable signs! So easy to read and understand with many illistrations; anyone can build a nice jump. It lists all materials and tools you'll need to get the job done right. It even gives tips on buying and selecting the right type of wood.

I just purchased this book last week and think is is an excellent reference for anyone looking to build jumps for use in a schooling show, 4-H event, pony club, or for the model horse hobby. This book explains very clearly what equipment is needed, what supplies to buy, construction details, and dimensions of each component of a jump. It has clear photos and excellent line drawings. The weak points of the book is that it does not explain what design details makes a jump safe or inviting. It is also vague on color choices that are tradtional for hunter and jumper jumps. The author does mention in the back of the book what books to go to for additional information though. As a basic reference it is terrific and money well spent.