If your model horses are ready to leap into show season, they’ll need the right arena setup! This fun DIY craft is perfect for equestrians of all ages and makes an adorable addition to any Breyer or Schleich horse setup. With just a few basic supplies, you can create your very own miniature horse jumps using popsicle sticks.
Whether you’re setting up a full hunter course or just looking to add some flair to your display, these jumps are super budget-friendly, easy to customize, and a blast to build.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Jumbo craft sticks (4 popsicle sticks per jump)
- Low temp hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Permanent markers or acrylic paint
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure and Mark
Start by grabbing two jumbo craft sticks and measure about 4 inches from the top. These will become your jump standards, the vertical side pieces.
2. Cut Your Standards
Use sharp scissors to cut each stick at the 4 inch mark. You’ll now have 2 shorter pieces and 2 longer pieces.
3. Shape the Tops
To give your jump standards a more realistic look, trim the ends of the 2 shorter halves to be flat, and leave the other two rounded.
4. Create the Standards
Glue one of the smaller stick pieces to the bottom of each longer stick piece to act as the base. This helps the jumps stand up on their own.
5. Dry Time
Let them dry on their sides to make sure they don’t fall over.
6. Decorate Your Rails
Now it’s time to get colorful. Use markers or paint to create stripes, chevrons, or solid bars on your jump rails, which are just more popsicle sticks. We used red stripes for a classic look.
7. Glue the Jump Rails
Once your rails are decorated and dry, hot glue them diagonally or horizontally between the two standards. You can create an X shape or stack multiple rails straight across.
Ready to Jump
Your miniature jump is ready for action. Set up an arena, add some model horses, and let the show begin. These jumps make adorable accessories for model horse play, dioramas, and photo shoots.
Extra Tips
- Use washi tape for quick striping if you don’t want to paint
- Try layering two or three jump rails for different difficulty levels
- Make a full course with different colors and jump designs
Let your creativity gallop free and don’t forget to tag us on social media if you build your own set. We’d love to see your jumps in action!
Be sure to browse the other model horse-related posts we have shared while you’re here.
