Showjumping

Most competition and training poles are 3.66m (12ft) long, which matches standard arena and course-builder specifications. Diameter typically ranges from 60mm to 100mm — thicker poles are heavier and more stable in windy conditions but cost more to ship and store. For young or nervous horses, a slightly thicker pole can be more visible and less likely to roll on contact.

Yes — our poles are made from timber or durable plastics designed to withstand rain, frost and UV exposure without warping or fading. Painted finishes use weather-resistant coatings, though we'd still recommend storing poles off the ground on blocks or a rack when not in use to prolong their life. This also stops them sitting in wet grass, which can encourage rot in timber poles over time.

Jump blocks are freestanding, stackable units that sit directly on the ground and support poles at varying heights without needing separate wing stands. They're quicker to build and reconfigure a course with, take up less storage space, and are popular for both grids and full courses. Traditional wings offer a more classic look and can support fillers and decorative panels, but need more storage room and take longer to set up.

They can, but exposure to prolonged wet weather and UV will shorten their lifespan and dull colours faster than if stored under cover. If you don't have an arena store, stacking blocks and poles off the ground under a tarpaulin or in a field shelter is a practical compromise. Plastic blocks generally cope with permanent outdoor storage better than painted timber poles.

A typical course of eight to ten fences, plus poles and blocks, needs a decent-sized barn bay or dedicated storage container — allow space to stack poles horizontally on racking rather than leaning them, which reduces warping. Tack storage units are best kept separate and in a dry, ventilated area to prevent leather and rugs from picking up damp or mildew. If you're tight on space, modular block systems that stack compactly are worth considering over full wing sets.

Look for solid construction, secure lockable doors if kept outside, and enough saddle and bridle racks to avoid overcrowding, which can damage leather. Ventilation matters as much as security — a sealed unit without airflow can trap moisture and lead to mould on rugs and tack. For multi-horse yards, modular or multi-bay units let you expand storage as your string grows rather than replacing the whole unit.