A jumping course quickly exposes equipment that does not fit, restricts movement, or creates unnecessary distraction. These show jumping tack examples cover the core pieces used for flatwork, schooling, and competition, with a focus on secure rider position, clear communication, and horse comfort. The right setup is not about adding more equipment. It is about choosing each piece for a defined purpose and fitting it correctly.
10 show jumping tack examples to know
1. Close-contact jumping saddle
A close-contact saddle is the foundation of most show jumping setups. Its forward-cut flap accommodates a shorter stirrup length, while a flatter seat gives the rider room to move into a two-point position over fences. Compared with a deep dressage saddle, it is designed to support a more open hip angle and allow the horse’s back to work through the jump.
Fit matters more than the saddle label. The tree, panel shape, balance, and clearance at the wither must suit the individual horse. A saddle that tips the rider forward or bridges across the back can affect both performance and willingness. For a horse that changes shape through a season, regular fitting checks and suitable adjustment options are a practical investment.
2. Contoured jumping girth
A well-shaped girth stabilizes the saddle without limiting the horse’s elbow freedom. Anatomic or contoured jumping girths are cut back behind the elbows and often have a wider center section to distribute pressure across the sternum. Leather, technical synthetic materials, and sheepskin-lined options all have a place, depending on the horse’s skin sensitivity, grooming routine, and workload.
A girth should be snug enough to prevent saddle movement but never overtightened. Watch for rubs behind the elbows, uneven sweat marks, or a horse that reacts when being girthed. Those signs may point to fit issues, not simply a horse being “girthy.”
3. Safety stirrups
Safety stirrups are a serious consideration for jumping riders, particularly when schooling young horses, riding cross-country-style exercises, or returning after a fall. Their release mechanism, flexible outer branch, or open-sided design is intended to reduce the chance of a boot becoming caught in the stirrup during a fall.
Traditional fillis irons remain popular and can be an excellent choice when paired with quality pads and correct foot position. However, riders who value additional security often prefer modern safety designs from established manufacturers. Choose a stirrup width that leaves clear space on either side of the riding boot, and select a tread that provides grip without feeling overly aggressive.
4. Jumping bridle
A jumping bridle is typically streamlined, with a shaped or padded headpiece intended to reduce pressure around the poll and ears. A softly padded browband and cavesson noseband are standard choices for many horses. The goal is a quiet, correctly fitted bridle that supports the bit without creating pressure points.
Flash, crank, drop, and figure-eight nosebands are all seen in jumping. None is automatically the best option. A plain cavesson suits many horses, while a figure-eight can be useful for a horse that crosses its jaw or needs a little more stability at speed. Any noseband must still allow normal jaw movement and comfortable breathing. Tightening a noseband to solve contact issues usually masks a training, dental, bit, or fit concern.
5. A correctly selected jumping bit
The bit is one of the most individual pieces of show jumping tack. A loose-ring or fixed-cheek snaffle may be ideal for a horse that accepts a consistent contact and responds well to the rider’s seat and half-halt. A Baucher, D-ring, elevator, gag, Pelham, or combination design may offer more stability, leverage, or directional support when used by an educated rider with appropriate hands.
Material and mouthpiece also matter. Trusted brands such as Trust Equestrian, Sprenger, and Stübben offer different metals, thicknesses, and joint configurations to suit varied mouth conformation and preferences. More severe is not synonymous with more effective. The best bit is the mildest option that gives the rider reliable communication in the horse’s actual working environment, including turns, combinations, and distances.
6. Grip reins
Rubber reins, reins with leather stops, and reins with a textured grip are common show jumping choices. They help the rider maintain an even rein length when gloves are wet, the weather is poor, or a horse lands strongly from a fence. Reins with stops can also be useful for riders developing consistency in hand position.
Avoid reins that are too thick for the rider’s hand or so narrow that they feel unstable. For competition, leather reins with discreet grip details offer a polished appearance while still delivering practical security. Check billets, stitching, and rein stops regularly, especially on equipment used for frequent training.
7. Running martingale
A running martingale is one of the most recognizable show jumping tack examples because it can help prevent a horse from raising its head beyond the rider’s effective line of contact. It acts only when the horse carries its head excessively high, unlike a standing martingale, which has a fixed limit.
Correct adjustment is essential. The neck strap should sit comfortably at the base of the neck, the center strap should not pull the neckpiece forward, and the rings should reach the horse’s throatlatch area when brought upward. Martingale stops on the reins prevent the rings from sliding too far. A running martingale can be useful for some horses, but it should not replace work on balance, straightness, and acceptance of the contact.
8. Breastplate or breast collar
A breastplate helps keep the saddle from sliding back, especially on horses with low withers, round barrels, or powerful jumping styles. Five-point breastplates are widely used because they offer multiple attachment points and can stabilize the saddle while leaving the shoulder relatively free. A traditional breast collar is a simpler option for horses that need less support.
The fit should allow the horse to stretch its neck and open the shoulder. A breastplate pulled tight across the chest can interfere with movement, while one that hangs too loosely offers little function. Select the design based on saddle stability and conformation rather than appearance alone.
9. Open-front tendon boots
Open-front boots protect the front of the cannon bone while leaving the tendons behind the leg more exposed to air. Many riders use them for horses that benefit from feeling a light touch if they tap a rail, encouraging careful technique. They are a standard choice in the show ring, though some riders prefer more comprehensive protection for schooling or horses that brush.
Look for a secure closure, a smooth lining, and a shape that stays in place through jumping efforts. Boots should be clean and dry before use, as trapped sand and moisture can cause rubs. They must never be so tight that they restrict circulation or create pressure beneath the straps.
10. Fetlock boots and bell boots
Hind fetlock boots protect the inside of the hind legs from strikes, particularly when a horse is still developing strength or has a close way of going. In regulated competition, boot type and closure rules may apply, so check the requirements of the governing body before entering. For training, protection needs may be different from show-ring preferences.
Bell boots protect the heel bulbs and coronet band from overreach. They are especially useful for horses that step on their front shoes after landing or when working on softer footing. The right size covers the vulnerable heel area without dragging on the ground or twisting around the hoof.
Build a setup around the horse, not the trend
A complete jumping setup may also include a shaped saddle pad, clean leather care products, and rider essentials such as a certified helmet, fitted boots, and protective vest where appropriate. Yet the core principle remains simple: every item should improve fit, safety, communication, or protection. If it does none of those things, it may not belong in the setup.
HorseworldEU brings together premium tack from recognized equestrian brands, making it easier to compare bridlework, bits, saddlery, and protective boots by function rather than guesswork. Start with saddle fit and a comfortable bridle, then add support only where your horse’s conformation, way of going, and training level genuinely call for it. A thoughtful, well-maintained tack selection gives horse and rider fewer variables to manage when the course gets technical.
