Gauteng Smallholder November 2015 | Page 40

HORSEMANSHIP environment. As outlined From page 36 row on top makes a formidable solid jump with no sharp edges. K Tyres – of all types (eg car, truck or tractor) can be used effectively in a horsey Tyres are useful to make a simple jump look more substantial above, half buried tyres can be used as arena edging and two tractor tyres half buried with three car tyres half buried between them makes a nice permanent small jump out in your field. You can also use tyres to make a movable jump. Thread them through a pole and hang the pole off two uprights (thereby making the jump height adjustable) rather than making piles of tyres on the ground. That's because should the approaching horse decide to stop before the jump and become entangled with the tyres there is a chance that one may ride up his leg (tyres bounce) and, particularly if this should happen to his hind-leg … and the tyre become hooked above his hock … mayhem will ensue, you can be sure. One, two, three or more tyres stacked atop each other make easily-adjustable, portable Tyres used to lift poles a few cms uprights when topped off with poles, and a combination of two single tyres and two stacks of two tyres, when correctly spaced and topped off with poles make useful cavaletti, the small jumps essential for training both horse and rider. Tyres are also useful in the gymkhana ring. Continued on page 39 Left: The correct way to position tyres in a tyre jump. Right: How NOT to use tyres in a jump 38 www.sasmallholder.co.za