15 Wonderful Photos of Horses Jumping to Brighten Your Day

15 Photos of Horses in Action

If you’re already passionate about equestrian sports, chances are you’ve participated in horse competitions before. I absolutely adore the idea of incorporating jumps into your routine with your horse. It’s not only a blast but also excellent exercise for your horse, while giving you an incredible adrenaline rush. Naturally, safety should always come first, so even though these photos are breathtaking, remember that attempting a jump without proper training and familiarity with the horse is a big no-no. The picture below is my top pick from this collection. It captures a natural moment of this gorgeous brown horse mid-jump, enhanced slightly with photo editing to give it an almost dreamlike quality.

What Types of Jumps Are Safe for Horses?

Although I won’t delve deeply into the safety aspects of every type of jump or competitive equestrian activity here, I encourage you to explore our previous articles on jumps in horse sports and the best breeds for jumping. Many scenes depicted in movies or even in these images might appear effortless, but the truth is that any jump involving a horse carries risks and should always prioritize safety.

At What Age Should a Horse Start Competitive Jumping? While many animals reach adulthood by the age of one, horses aren’t fully mature until they’re at least 5 to 7 years old. So, even if that cute pony you recently purchased seems perfect for competitions, it’s wise to wait a few years before starting training. A fully grown horse will have the strength to carry you and execute jumps effectively. Additionally, their temperament will be more predictable, making them easier to work with during competitions. I’m particularly fond of the set of images below. The first one captures the horse as it begins its leap over wooden beams.

The second image shows the horse at the peak of the jump, descending gracefully afterward. I love this sequence because it feels like an action shot—almost like a stop-motion film unfolding!

Are Mares or Stallions Better Suited for Jumping? It really depends on what you’re seeking, as both have their advantages. Mares are often gentler, which can make them easier to train and guide, while the power of a stallion might give you the edge needed to win competitions. The gender of the horse matters less than its individual strengths and temperament.

A horse’s strength is crucial, but a larger horse might face disadvantages in competitions. Agility and the ability to cover distances effortlessly are essential. While the horse in the image above is muscular, it’s not overly large either. As with many things in life—and especially with horses—finding a balance often leads to the greatest success.

How Long Does Training a Horse for Competitive Jumping Take? An experienced rider working with a highly trainable horse could be ready in as little as a month. However, this timeline isn’t typical. Generally, it takes around six months or more for both the rider and the horse to feel comfortable enough for jumping. In some cases, it might take even longer. If you’re considering getting into competitive jumping, I suggest allowing yourself at least six months to a year to practice and prepare. Below is another striking image that beautifully highlights the grace and power of a horse in motion.

But jumping isn’t solely about the horse. Much of what makes this sport successful is the bond between the rider and the horse. While some riders can hop on any horse and jump without much practice, the most successful teams are those that build trust and develop a subtle understanding through consistent work together.

Some horses, like the one pictured below, glide effortlessly over obstacles as if jumping is second nature to them. Paired with a rider who’s fully dedicated to the sport, you can see the horse genuinely enjoying the competition, as if it were born for it!

How Can I Capture Great Photos of My Horse Jumping? The best advice is to take plenty of pictures during practice sessions to capture multiple angles rather than relying on just one shot that may or may not turn out well. By continuously snapping photos, you’re bound to capture at least one fantastic image to display or cherish as a memory.

The image below perfectly captures the horse mid-air over the barrier. These kinds of shots are ideal for showcasing how the horse moves and can even be used to analyze movements for potential improvements.

And here, you’ll find one of my favorite images from this list. The black-and-white or grayscale effect wonderfully emphasizes the horse’s movement during the jump. It removes distractions from surrounding colors, helping you focus solely on the main subject—the horse.

Could I Sell My Own Horse Jumping Photos?

Absolutely! While you might just be admiring these beautiful horses today, don’t overlook the chance to turn this into a profitable hobby. Start by practicing with your own horses, then move on to competitions and offer your photos to friends or fellow competitors. This is a great option for those who lack photography skills themselves or are on a budget and can’t afford a professional photographer.

For my final few images, I’d like to share some of my favorites. Below, the horse leaps smoothly over the barrier, but what I love most is the beautiful connection between the horse and rider. They appear as one cohesive unit as they flow over the beams.

Lastly, here’s a candid shot of a horse jumping over an obstacle in a natural setting—one of my personal favorites. It adds to the beauty of the image and serves as a reminder of how strong and capable these animals are, even without human intervention.