Gewichtshürden

Gewichtshürden, also known as weight hurdles, are a type of obstacle in equestrian sports, specifically in eventing. Unlike traditional hurdles that are designed to be cleared by the horse and rider jumping over them, Gewichtshürden are constructed to be pushed through or knocked down by the horse. They are typically made of lightweight materials and are designed to fall apart easily upon contact. The primary purpose of a Gewichtshürde is to test the horse's obedience, bravery, and controlled power when faced with an obstacle that will yield under pressure.

The design of Gewichtshürden can vary, but they often consist of elements that can be easily displaced, such as brush or lightweight poles that are not securely fastened. In eventing, these obstacles are strategically placed within the cross-country phase. A refusal or a significant disruption of the obstacle can incur penalties. Unlike solid fences, a horse is expected to make contact with a Gewichtshürde if it cannot comfortably clear it. The goal is not to jump them cleanly over, but rather to navigate them with minimal disruption and without the horse becoming frightened or resistant.

The introduction of Gewichtshürden serves to assess a horse's temperament and training in a different manner than traditional jumping fences. They encourage a forward and confident approach from the horse, as a hesitation or a timid approach might lead to an unnecessarily large disruption. The penalties associated with Gewichtshürden are usually based on the degree of displacement and the time taken to negotiate the obstacle. They are a specialized element that adds another layer of challenge to the demanding discipline of eventing.