How Do I Get Started?

To ensure a safe and successful experience, you will need a cooperative, healthy rabbit that is at least four months old. The rabbit should be accustomed to gentle handling and show no signs of illness or distress. Prior to any activity, a basic health check by a veterinarian is recommended to confirm the rabbit’s suitability. 

To begin rabbit hopping or agility, a well-fitted H-style harness is essential. An H-style harness—named for its shape—uses lightweight ~1/2" webbed straps around your rabbit’s neck and chest, joined along the back. It features two snaps (one on the neck strap, one on the chest strap) and a leash ring positioned on the back of the chest strap to minimize neck strain. This design allows free movement over jumps and stays cooler than vest-style harnesses, making it the top choice for comfort, safety, and performance.

Rabbit hopping and agility activities require a cushioned surface such as grass, shavings, or mats to protect the rabbit’s feet and joints. Interlocking EVA foam mats are especially effective, serving both as impact-absorbing padding and as visual guides to direct movement. Typically sized 24" x 24" x 3/8", these mats should be latex-free, non-toxic, and fade-resistant, with a snug fit to prevent shifting. Their lightweight design makes them easy to transport and ideal for temporary setups.

For safe and natural hopping, obstacles should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart, depending on jump height, to allow proper foot placement and rhythm.