© 2000 The American Long Ears Society
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Coon Jumping!

History:

Coonjumping is an event unique to Longears. The event originated from night time coonhunters needing to move their packstrings over fenced fields. Many fences were of wire and could not be taken down as stone or wood can. Often the hunter would remove his coat and lay it down over the wire in order to "flag it" for his animals to see, then jump his mules over the fence one by one. Let me point out here that ONLY donkeys and mules "Coonjump." Horses DO NOT. It is physically impossible for them. Unlike a horse showjumper or hunter who must first gallop up to a jump, coonjumpers must take the obstacle from a standing start. Therefore those of you wishing to do a little "coonjumping scene" at a liveshow, PLEASE keep this in mind.

Form:

Open to both donkeys and mules/hinnies, though at most shows, the two breeds will compete separately. Also unique in that size does not matter. Minatures to saddle type/size longears compete equally in their own class. But no matter the size or breed type, all longears tend to crouch down on their hind legs, raise up their forelegs, then "rocket" over the bar. Some mules even like to "rev up" with their forefeet, dancing until their springs are wound up tight, before catapulting themselves over the jump like a cat. Often, Longear heads will go up as their bodies come down on the opposite side of the bar, reaching down with their forefeet while tucking up the hind ones. Some animals like to stay close to the bar as they jump, while others prefer lots of daylight between their feet and the bar.

Requirements:

A free standing jump is required (no wing standards please), with a sliding vertical rail or crossbar supported by pins/pegs which drop at hard contact. Bar must fall outward from the pins/pegs in the same direction as travel (meaning away from the animal). The horizontal width of the jump must be a minimum of 8 feet with 2 inch increments on the dowel holes, the bottom at 30 inches, and top at 72 inches in height. A blanket, quilt, or similiar covering is NOT mandatory but if used, must be laid over the bar for the animal to use to help it gauge height. Longears must jump from inside a marked box (chalkline or ground poles) measuring 10 to 12 feet square.

First jump is of median chest height, continually raised after every round of jumps. Two attempts are allowed at each height, time to begin with a hoof in the box at 90 seconds time allowance. Failure to clear bar after second attempt knocks that entrant out of contention. Animal must pause inside box BEFORE jumping (there are no running starts allowed). Handler may stand on either side of the jump but must hold leadrope at all times. Loose animals/loss of control is automatic disqualification. Refusal to jump also grounds for disqualification.

In actual showring competition, the animal is normally shown either bareback or under saddle (saddles ARE NOT required, but if used, the stirrups must be tied up across the seat). However, there are cases of specialized shows for friendly competition among Pack Outfitters, where animals are jumped in full pack gear, over the same freestanding jumps that barebacked & saddled animals are. Or, a nice twist in a more natural setting COULD be your model donk or mule in full pack gear, negotiating a fence somewheres out in the boonies. Back to our arena setting, no changing/adjusting of tack allowed once inside the coonjump ring/box. Halters are more commonly used for headgear, though bridles are allowed. If using halter, chain through the mouth or over/under the nose is prohibited. Also, no leg protection is used.

The handler may be dressed in English, Western, or Loggers attire with boots (no tennis shoes allowed) and a hat or cap.

Epilogue:

An official national record for this event was set awhile back by a 17 year old white saddle mule out of Texas named CARRIE. Only 43 inches tall herself, she has officially jumped over 63 inches in height on three separate occassions (meaning jumping an obstacle higher than her ears!). The only horse sport even remotely comparable to Coonjumping would be the Puissance of Grand Prix, where 17 hand plus horses jump walls over eight feet in height, but again remember that this is with a running start. Coonjumpers must do it from a standing start.

(This Page last updated: July 25, 2000)