All hurdles are made in a mould which has 9 holes at 9 inch intervals. The holes are drilled in a curved line. The hurdle maker then makes the uprights (called sails or zales) to the required eventual height of the hurdle. The end sails are of unsplit rods to facilitate twisting the wood around them. The rest of the sails may be of split wood or round wood.
A particular pattern of weave is used to build the bottom of the hurdle. Rods called take up rods hold the bottom of the hurdle firmly in place.
The hurdle is then filled up with split wood until the point where the pattern for putting the top in is reached. This pattern locks the top of the hurdle in place.
The final rod is put in using a double twist called the hurdle makers' knot.
Things to look out for when buying hurdles:
Hurdles should be straight and true. (Sides should be straight and not wander in or out on the way up.
The number of twists up each side should work out at least 4 per foot. Hurdles that only have twists in the bottom and top parts are not acceptable.
After purchase all hurdles should be treated with a preservative, otherwise they will only last 6/7 years. Treated hurdles will last 2/3 times this long. Creosote is fine. The exception to this rule is when hurdles are put along a newly planted hedge line and are expected to gradually rot away as the hedge grows.
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