18 of the spookiest showjumping fences — would your horse go near any of these?

Jennifer Donald's avatar
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Published In Features
Spooky showjumps Bertram ALLEN riding Molly Malone V IRL during the First Competition at WEG in Stadium D'Ornano Caen, Normandy in France between 23 August to 7 September 2014
Bertram ALLEN riding Molly Malone V IRL during the First Competition at WEG in Stadium D'Ornano Caen, Normandy in France between 23 August to 7 September 2014
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

In a world of plain coloured poles and wings, showjumping courses are sometimes less than memorable. But every so often a showjumping fence really catches the eye, breaking every mould in the course-designer’s handbook. Championship tracks in particular often feature an assortment of eye-catching themed fences — remember Bob Ellis’s stunning London 2012 tracks? But many other venues do go above and beyond when it comes to including striking obstacles to jump. But great as they are for spectators, would your horse go within a 10-metre radius of any of these spooky showjumps?

Spooky showjumps

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.