How are hurdles different from fences in jump racing?
Clear, sourced explanation of the practical and regulatory differences between hurdles and fences in National Hunt (jump) racing, plus how they affect race types, horse training, course design and tactical decisions.
By James HartfordSenior Racing CorrespondentPublished · Updated · 763 words · 4 min read
The short answer
Hurdles are lower, lighter, more forgiving obstacles used in races and schooling; fences are taller, more solid timber or brush obstacles used in steeplechases. Hurdles are often an early step for young National Hunt horses and suit speed and rhythm, while fences demand greater scope, balance and later-season progression. Both are distinct jump categories in National Hunt racing and shape a horse’s career path and race selection [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Overview: what each obstacle category is and why it matters
Hurdles are defined as the smaller, lighter obstacles on a jumps course that horses commonly encounter early in their National Hunt careers, whereas fences belong to steeplechasing and are bigger, more solid obstacles. The two categories are treated separately in race programming: hurdle races and steeplechases are distinct event types within National Hunt meetings. That separation matters because the obstacle type changes training priorities, the physical demands on a horse, and the typical career path — many horses have a season or two over hurdles before progressing, but some specialize and never switch to fences [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Construction and height differences that affect jumping technique
Hurdles are built to be lighter and lower than fences so horses can learn to jump while retaining speed and rhythm. Fences are taller and more solidly built, often incorporating timber, brush and sometimes an open ditch or water on approach, which requires a different take-off, greater scope and stronger landing mechanics. These physical contrasts mean a hurdler can often get away with crisper, speed-focused jumping, while a chaser must show more substance, aerial scope and a steadier approach. Trainers and jockeys therefore adapt schooling and race tactics to each obstacle’s construction and the different margin for error [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Race types, progression and where horses typically start
National Hunt racing formally separates hurdle contests from steeplechases; novice hurdle and juvenile hurdle categories exist for younger or inexperienced horses to gain experience. A typical progression for many jump horses is to start in bumpers or flat National Hunt races, move to hurdles to learn jumping at race pace, then progress to fences if the horse shows the size and aptitude. However, some horses remain hurdlers by choice or necessity. The decision to move on to chases often reflects the horse’s physical development, record over hurdles, and the trainer’s target races and calendar considerations [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Training, schooling and physical suitability differences
Schooling differs between the two: hurdles are used to teach rhythm, timing and confidence over obstacles, while schooling over fences emphasises strength, scope and balance. Not all horses are physically or mentally suitable for fences; those lacking scope, size or a steady jumping technique might be kept as hurdlers. Conversely, taller, more scopey types often progress to chases where their jumping ability can be a decisive asset over longer distances and stiffer obstacles. Trainers choose schooling patterns and early race targets to match a horse’s conformation, jumping aptitude and future campaign goals [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Safety, rules context and practical race-day implications
Because fences are larger and more solid, the safety considerations around them differ from hurdles: the potential consequences of a mistake are generally greater over fences, which informs how horses are prepared and the types of races they enter. Racing authorities and courses mark hurdle and fence courses separately and steeplechase obstacles can include additional features such as ditches and water that alter approach and jumping lines. Jockey tactics also change: over hurdles riders often keep a higher cruising speed and look for rhythm, while over fences they may take a more conservative approach to preserve jumping accuracy and stamina [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Worked example
hypothetical: imagine a four-year-old National Hunt horse that has won two bumpers and shows a quick, bold jumping style in schooling. The trainer must decide whether to send the horse into juvenile hurdle races or try it straight over low fences. Choosing hurdles would let the horse learn to race over obstacles at speed, build confidence and preserve scope for a later switch; choosing fences might fast-track a chaser career but requires the horse to demonstrate the physical strength and steadier technique demanded by taller, more solid obstacles. The trainer will weigh the horse’s size, schooling footage and intended targets; if the horse remains light-framed with a fast turn of foot, hurdles often remain the safer immediate option, whereas a larger, scopey individual may be prepared carefully for a move to fences once schooling shows secure landings and balance [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Related questions
Can a horse race over hurdles and later switch to fences?
Yes. Many horses begin on hurdles to learn jumping and rhythm, then step up to fences once mature and experienced. Some however remain specialists over hurdles and never contest fences, depending on size, temperament and trainer aims [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Do hurdle races and chase races use different distances or meeting types?
They can overlap in distance but are organised as separate race types: hurdle races are distinct fixtures within National Hunt meetings, while steeplechases over fences often cover longer trips and include different course obstacles such as open ditches and water jumps [gbr-glossary] [jc-glossary].
Sources
- Great British Racing: Jargon Buster — accessed
- The Jockey Club: Racing Explained Glossary — accessed
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