INNOVATOR Emma Watkinson has patented a new lightweight jump “cup” for training horses.

The woman who first brought plastic fences and poles to the North of England has now designed and patented a new generation of brightly coloured pole cone cups which can create a variety of schooling aids – from jumps to ground-training obstacles such as raised trotting poles, corridors, S and Z bends.

Ms Watkinson founded Northallerton-based JSW 4 Jumps in 2000 and is co-director of sister companies JSW Horseboxes and JSW Trailers.

The cups fit on top of brightly coloured cones the company supplies. Plastic poles can then be rested on the cups, just as they would be if using traditional jump wings, and the lightweight design means they present no danger to horse or rider – and allow riders of any age to easily build jumps and obstacles.

Ms Watkinson said: “Jumps are expensive and the cone cup offers an excellent affordable alternative that also doubles up as a versatile training aid.

“Ever since their launch at the start of the recession they’ve been a bestseller but I felt it was time to improve on the original design. I think the final result offers even better value for money while retaining its versatility.”

The cups are manufactured in the UK and are made from medium density polyethylene and are recyclable. They are one of a growing number of innovative equine accessories offered by JSW such as the antipuncture multi-coloured wheelbarrow, mounting blocks and feed bins.

Ms Watkinson launched JSW 4 Jumps in 2000 after spotting an opportunity to offer customers collecting horseboxes and trailers the opportunity to buy plastic jumps and poles which, at that time, were unavailable in the North of England.

Today it claims to be the North’s biggest retailer of plastic jumps and accessories, sending orders across the UK and Europe.

Sales of JSW Horseboxes are at an all-time high and JSW Trailers claims to be the North’s largest horse and general trailer supplier with a nationwide customer base.

Founded in 1961, the thirdgeneration family-run firm now employs eight and is looking to take on more staff to meet demand.