To develop your showjumping skills, you need to have access to at least three or four sets of show-jump/jump standards and poles. Other than that, all that is needed is a resonably flat surface to practice on, which can be either a grass paddock when ground conditions permit, or an indoor or outdoor arena with an all-weather surface. Your horse needs only his usual saddle and bridle and he/she should wear protective boots of some sort. Most show jumpers use open-fronted boots on the front legs so that the tendon area is protected but the horse will feel the knock if he hits a pole, and short fetlock boots behind. To complete, you will need to wear breeches or jodhpurs with the appropriate riding boots (breeches go with the long boots and the jodhpurs go with the short boots), and a show or hacking jacket. (Note: When purchasing a jacket, stay with the traditional colors-navy, green or tweed-or opt for either black or red.) A shirt and tie, or stock, is worn underneath the jacket.
Whilst almost any horse or pony can be persuaded to pop around a showjumping course, once the fences get bigger you do need a horse who is athletic and has a good sense of balance. There are plenty of horses who will clatter their way around a course, gaily sending poles flying without appering to be the least concerned about the experience. There is a great deal that you can teach a horse but, at the end of the day, he has to want to clear the top pole.