An oxer is a spread fence used in show jumping, built from two parallel vertical elements—occasionally three—set a measured distance apart so the horse must clear both height and width in a single effort. The name comes from traditional double farm fencing used to contain oxen, which the obstacle resembles.
Oxers are among the most common spread fences in modern course design and are used to test a horse’s scope, bascule, straightness, and impulsion. Standard variants include the square (parallel) oxer, ascending oxer, Swedish oxer, and the wider triple‑bar. Descending oxers are not permitted in regulated competition due to safety concerns.
Depending on the level, oxers may range from 80–160 cm in height with spreads up to 2 m, following typical national and FEI jumping guidelines.ces, combinations, and turning lines to influence rhythm and accuracy.
Craig Maccubbin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
