Building Equine Obstacles

I’ve been building obstacles for a little over a decade, and I’ve learned a lot over the years. The number one thing to keep in mind is safety for both you and your horse.

Use Quality Materials:

• I only use 2x lumber for any obstacles the horse will be standing on.

• Screws instead of nails: screws hold better, and we don’t want a nail getting loose and puncturing the horse or getting caught on something.

• Avoid sharp edges that could snag the horse or a rider’s clothing.

• Bridges should always have a wide base or be connected to prevent tipping.

What Not to Use

I’ve seen many obstacles built with unsafe materials. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Concrete blocks with holes: a horse's feet can get lodged in the holes. Solid concrete blocks are fine.

• Pallets or plywood for bridges: not strong enough to safely hold weight.

• Tarps, plastic, or plastic pools: hooves can go through them. My wife once saw a horse get its shoe caught in a tarp, which caused an accident.

• PVC pipe: if stepped on, it can break into sharp pieces.

• Weathered or brittle obstacles: old materials can snap under pressure. Be proactive, not reactive. Your horse’s safety depends on it.

Check out the Equine Obstacles

Building Tips

• I built a jig so my obstacles are identical in size and shape every time.

• I use treated 2x lumber to withstand the weather, fastened with screws made specifically for treated wood.

• On top of the bridges, I leave small gaps between the boards:

  • Gaps allow dirt to fall through.

  • Multiple boards with spacing provide traction (vs. one slick surface).

  • Be careful not to leave gaps too wide, since lumber shrinks over time.

• If needed, you can add cleats or non-slip paint for extra grip.

• Always consider the final weight of the obstacle. Do you have a way to move it once it’s built? 

When to Use Plywood

I use plywood for obstacles that won’t be stepped on, like the Bull with Spear Ring (pictured below). Just remember that plywood doesn’t weather well. If the obstacle is outdoors, paint it to help protect it.

Safety has to be the top priority. Remember: horses wake up every day and choose between suicide and murder. They’ll always find a way to get into trouble, so build obstacles with their safety (and yours) in mind.

Here's to your next building project! 

David Von Holten 
Building with David

P.S. Ladies, it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. Go ahead and buy your obstacles from me. When your husband says he's going to build it for you, he means in the next 5 years...maybe. I do the same thing to my own wife. It just the way we're wired.