I've got pics of our jumping - help needed.

[chickflick1066]

Now, I'll be the first to admit that jumping isn't Stumpy and I's strong point...but, we braved it and had a go on Saturday. The pics are before we both fell over.

There's one LOVELY photo, and the rest are a bit god-awful...but I've posted them so I can get some expert (well, more expert then novice me!), it's hard to put these up for fear of total humilation, but if that's what it takes for us to improve, then so be it.

From what I can gather, our approach, take off and landing are all a bit attrocious. I seem to be leaning forward during the approach, folding far too early and having all my weight in front. My heels and leg position are also pretty sickly.

Stumpy hasn't really jumped to be fair. She's not built for serious SJ, we just want to have fun. How can I ride to make jumping easier for, she's naturally built on the forehand and seems to land heavily (doesn't help with my poor riding).

Is there hope for this SJ disasterous duo?

[chickflick1066]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/Justbeforewefell.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/jumpingneedcritique.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/BADlanding.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/toofarforward.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/Takingoff.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/takeoffXpole.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/Xpole.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/weeee.jpg

The best one out of the lot. This felt LOVELY!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/chickflick1066/Jumpiespart2.jpg

The straight was 2ft, and the X pole was 2ft3 in the middle :)

[Showjumper]

Lovely pics - you're doing really well! I've noticed something kinda fun - the pics you don't like, you're looking down. The one you do like (and it is brilliant!) you're looking up and ahead. Your leg position looks nice and secure. Maybe try moving your hands forwards instead of moving your body forwards. I think you both look brilliant :)

[Bobbin]

I find Bry tanks towards a jump so I sit back right up untill she is going to take off and half halt her a few strides away. Fold and then sit up straight away after, half halt before she bounds off on that forehand and ride her forwards.

Bry has a natural flowing jump so I am quite lucky and normally her strides are right on the button.

You know what they say, practice makes perfect:)

[horse__obsessed]

I would say give with your hands a bt more and keep your bum in the saddle a bit more
nice pics

[Iron Maiden]

Looks pretty good to me! If I was being miss nitpicky I'd say try to get your stirrup nearer to your toe, & keep your weight in your heel so your leg is a bit more secure. Might be easier to do this if you turn your toe out a little. Your hands do look a little fixed to the back of her neck but you don't look as though you are restricting Stumpy so I wouldn't worry about this at the mo. Maybe if you jump her a bit bigger she will need to stretch her neck more so your hands will need to follow her movement but that will come with practice.

[kirstie]

Haven't got much to say but Stumpy and you look like your having a great time, sorry to hear about the fall but glad your both ok :).

Love the last piccy its excellent :)

[DavidH]

Is there hope for this SJ disasterous duo?
Yes there is :p
The reason the jump in the last pic felt good was because stumpy was stretching correctly in to the jump due to the takeoff position being correct.
In all the other pics he is around half a stride too close to the fence making the jump stilted. There are a number of reasons for this.
1) Inconsitent rythm in to the fence.
2) lack of impulsion in the approach.
3) Horse hasn't learnt to stretch properly
4) Rider shifts their weight on what should be the last stride which unbalances the horse. This causes the horse to put in an extra short stride to rebalance before taking off.

From the pics (which aren't as bad as you say) it is difficult to tell exactly what is causing the problem but at i would hazard a guess at a combination of all 4.

So how to fix each issue.
1) Dont focus on the fence during approach. Instead, put your focus on feeling the rythm of the canter (or trot) and count in your head....123,123,123. The rythm should not change. Biggest mistake people make on this one is not setting up the canter before turning in to the fence. If you try to set up the quality of the pace once facing the fence it becomes impossible for the horse (or rider) to judge the takeoff point.

2) Horse needs to feel bouncy on approach and light on the forehand. Again, use the turn in to the fence to set this up and really get the hind legs under the horse then push the horse in to a consistent contact. Power is required, not speed. When a horse is not a naturally forward type riders tend to throw the contact in the belief that this will get the horse more forward. The opposite happens as the horse speeds up but flattens and looses impulsion.

3) canter poles are great for this, set up on both long sides of the areana. Set them up so that they are wider than the horses normal canter making them stretch through them. It is critical that the rider stays upright and maintains the contact through them making the horse lengthen from behind with the rider in balance. Shorten on the short side, build the power then release this (not throw it away) over the poles. Once the horse can do this comfortably then use the poles on approach to the fence. This will also help with point 1 (rythm)

4) Will generally take care of itself if points 1 - 3 are sorted out. If it doesn't then getting the rider to close their eyes once lined up with the fence works wonders. This allows them to develop the feel the horse gives just before it takes off. Developing this feel of the muscles bunching slightly is critical. relying on eyes to judge the takeoff point is very unreliable often resulting in the rider being left behind over the fence. This then creates the problem of the rider going forward too early and by too much to avoid being left behind creating problem 4.

There is no one simple answer to improving jumping. A lot of elements have to come together to hit that sweet spot but its not difficult to do this with appropriate help. Offer is still there if you want. ;)

[chickflick1066]

Daivd, THANKS. You've just given me a lot to think about.

Very much appreciated :D

[Laura+Phantom]

Can't add anything to that last fab post by david but I think you both look awesome together, that last pic is brilliant, and i'm loving the pink hat!

[coblover26]

Well done with your jumping on saturday :)
My fantastic photgraphy there :D haha

[ashlingm]

give with your hand a bit more ,keep your toes in...not the worst of faults - most of us are guilty of it...i know i can be!!

[chickflick1066]

David, I might PM you actually. I know Stumpy and I are parting ways, but I'd love a lesson!!

[Lucyad]

Goodness, DavidH, I wish I lived close to you......

[chickflick1066]

Lucyad...I do feel a bit rediculous to have a NR great to come and teach me how to jump 2ft properly :o but if it goes ahead, I'll let you know how we get on and you can get jealous :p

[Laura+Phantom]

Yes but jumping 2 foot properly sets you up for being able to jump 3 foot, and 4 foot if you want!

As they say its not how high you can jump it's how well you can jump ;) besides 2 foot is the funnest size! It's the nice size before the cr*p your pants size :)

[bexj]

Great pictures hunny, brilliant advice by David too, and I couldn't possibly give any better advice. Agree with the person who said to look up! I always focus on a tree or something in the distance infront of the jump as I am a looker-downer too :)

[DavidH]

Yes but jumping 2 foot properly sets you up for being able to jump 3 foot, and 4 foot if you want!


100% correct :D
You wouldn't believe the amount of time I spent jumping Ed over 1 foot fences. ;)

[Mossy]

Lucyad...I do feel a bit rediculous to have a NR great to come and teach me how to jump 2ft properly :o but if it goes ahead, I'll let you know how we get on and you can get jealous :p
It took me a very long time to learn that if you want to learn to do something properly get the best teacher you can. Those who are at the top half of their field have got there because they CAN. Those who tinker around only "teaching" the bottom half and below, either have not got there yet, or never will. If they cannot DO it, they cannot TEACH it. Go for it and enjoy. Why are you and stumpy parting company?