Jump cups are small equipment holding jump rails on a jumping standard. Choosing the proper cups ensures your horse, and you can achieve their full potential. These professional-grade steel cups are heavy with shaped pins to keep them straight and meet FEI requirements.

Versatility

Jump cups are small but essential pieces of equestrian equipment. These metal pieces attach to a standard and hold the poles in place while providing an easy release to prevent injuries should the pole dislodge from contact with the cup. Many types of horse jump cups are available, and finding the ones that best meet your training needs is essential. At the elite level of show jumping, horses must jump 10-14 obstacles that can be as high and wide as 1.7m and 2m while competing against time to achieve the fastest round. It places an immense physical demand on the equine athlete, and a lack of skill in either the horse or rider can cause costly penalties, which ultimately detract from a performance. A horse’s ability to jump a particular height in competition depends on natural talent, experience, and confidence. With all three factors, a horse and rider pair will likely succeed at the higher sections offered in today’s competitions. 

Safety

The cups that hold a jump pole on a standard are vitally crucial to the safety of both horse and rider. They must maintain the pole’s position and be deep enough to dislodge contact easily. It is essential to avoid injury to the horse if they misjudge the height of the fence. The best jump cups will withstand the test of time and are made from heavy materials. They’ll withstand weather elements and are designed for easy use by trainers and riders alike. Some manufacturers even offer one-handed jump cups that eliminate the need to simultaneously hold a rail, pin, and cup! Metal jump cups come in various shapes and depths to meet the needs of equestrians. They are often enamel-coated to resist rust and are available in many colors. Some even have a coupler system that allows the cup to break away under specific pressures, similar to an oxer or gate.

Ease of Use

Whether you’re working on show jumping or just schooling, it’s essential to have quality jump cups to keep your horse safe and comfortable. There are numerous varieties of jump cups, which are an integral part of any jump. FEI-approved breakaway steel jump cups and adapters are designed to hold the jump rail but release when hit with a downward force, which protects horses from injury. They’re also rust-resistant, so they last longer and won’t be affected by weather or environmental conditions. Pin and pinless jump cup options are available, depending on your desired look and price range. In addition, the depth of the jump cup can be adjusted to suit your needs. Bottomless cups are great for holding a jumper fence, while shallow cups work best for gates and planks. The reversible, flat-sided design of some cup styles lets you use them one way up for poles and the other way up for gates or planks.

Durability

Whether you use them in your daily training or at competition, jump cups must be durable to withstand the rigors of constant use. They also must be easy to install and dismantle so they can keep working time after time. Traditional metal jump cups are designed to hold a jump rail in place using pins that secure the cup to the standard. These cups are made from professional-grade steel and powder coated, ensuring they won’t rust or fail under heavy use. Plastic jump cups are a safer alternative to metal, as they are less likely to cause lacerations. They come in both pin and pinless styles. A one-hand safety cup is safer than holding the rail, pin, and cup.