subject: Course And Jump Designer [print this page] The next time you watch a horse and rider sailing over one of those disturbingly high hurdles, remember that it"s the object of someone"s creative mind to design those obstacles. It doesn"t sound like such a difficult project, but you need to understand the strengths and physical limitations of horses, as well as their behavior patterns, to effectively design a course or jump. This insight is will help you hit the right level of difficulty, one that will be challenging to most animals but not impossibly so, and maximize the chances of creating a course that will encourage horses to jump. These are important factors, as no one wants to see twenty different horses crashing into the same wall.
There are other considerations, such as ensuring that there is enough room between obstacles to create a pleasing rhythm of free, fluid motion and forward, jumping action. Turns in the course must be designed in a way that challenges the abilities of the horse and rider but allows for a steady flow and pace. It"s not enough to simply get over, across, or through something. It has to be executed in a manner that looks easy but demands tremendous discipline and precision. Esthetics and innovation are important considerations too, so the most talented designers strive to create novel, attractive, and interesting courses
This kind of design work requires a combination of skills from various areas, including science, mathematics, construction, equestrianship, and art. If this type of creative challenge sounds intriguing to you, perhaps you should check out your region"s licensing or certification requirements and set your sights on a career in this very specialized field.
Pros
Means of indulging multi-discipline interests
Creative outlet with practical, revenue-producing application
