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The Internet makes shopping for show jumps easier then ever. Quality manufacturers from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other countries are making traditional wooden jumps and accessories and offering the newer plastic options as well.

Full-color websites with interactive photo galleries show you all the different models, and you can click on what interests you to get a better view and additional details. You can narrow the options by being specific in your search, specifying whether you want only wood, are thinking about durable plastic components, or want to talk about custom designs and elements.

Manufacturers offer standard designs and kits of all descriptions, so whether your needs are for a schooling course or a full-blown professional show ring, you can find a preset selection. They also offer consultations, so if you need advice or do not see what you want, follow the links or look for contact information on the home page.

Show jumps are really variations of the stock types of jumps, but with imagination you can make a course unlike anything seen before in your area. Verticals, solids, oxers, and spreads can all be made with standard elements arranged to make them inviting or intimidating. Personalizing a jump to promote an advertiser or thank a sponsor has also gotten much easier, as many manufacturers can provide this service as well.

Standards now come in traditional wooden stands and also can be ingenious plastic blocks reminiscent of nursery school. Rails look as solid as ever but can be light weight plastic that never needs painting, weighted plastic to feel more solid, or a wooden core completely sealed in a plastic sleeve to be durable and maintenance free. Jump cups still come in metal, but there are also plastic ones that break free on impact, can be multi-directional to offer great course flexibility, and can even slide down the pole if a horse or rider falls on a jump. Patented designs are touted as safer and easier to set up and break down, as well as resistant to rusting and UV rays.

Using plastic is said to be safer, as the poles and standards are light weight and, although sturdy enough to stand up to wind and light impact, will fall easily under any serious weight. The poles will not splinter under a strong blow, do not warp, and will not become brittle with age as wooden poles do. New techniques can make plastic appear rustic, heavy as brick or stone, or bright as a new penny, all depending on what look is needed.

There are even whole courses designed by top professionals, Olympic and world event riders who know how to make a course inviting to novices and challenging for experienced horses and riders. You will find courses designated for beginners, novices, intermediate, and advanced. You can choose brightly-colored stadium jumps or rustic ones for cross country or hunter events.

Show jumps have been one of the most important parts of equestrian competition for years, as famous shows vie to have the showiest Grand Prix courses and the most spectacular jumper events. The new materials and technologies make meeting the demands of the show ring easier and safer. If you haven't been keeping up with all this, you may be amazed at what you will see on the world wide web.

Get the low down on how to search the World Wide Web for show jumps now in our comprehensive review of great cross country jumps photos.