poor anticipation on approaching jumps

[Mark]

Over the past few weeks I've been having a spate of falling off in jumping lessons - with little progress for my efforts. I usually get left behind and catapaulted out the front door on landing as a couple of the horses have a tendency to do big jumps sometimes - although the jumps themselves are only little. Today I over compensated and took off before the horse did - needless to say the result was the same (another bruise for the collection!!). I find it very difficult to anticpate what the horse is going to do and react accordingly. Does anyone else have this problem?

[Showjumper]

You could try using canter poles, so you know how many strides you have left before the jump, then as you get used to it, you should develop a sense for how many more strides and where the horse is going to take off. Also, using a groundpole will help the horse judge where to takeoff from, so making the jump more fluent for you. Good Luck and Happy Landings!! :D;)

[kedwards]

I totally agree with showjumper, it's really hard to get a feel for the rhythm and an eye for distance if the horse is inconsistent. Some sort of grid can help both of you judge the distance better. If the horse is reliable enough, it also helps to jump with your eyes closed in order to really get the feeling of going with the horse. Good luck.

[LindaAd]

If you get the horse going with more impulsion, you might find it pops over in a more predictable way: those huge, sudden leaps are usually when the horse stops for a good look first - could you be staring at the jump and making the horse worried?

My instructor always says: just sit there and wait for the jump to come to you. Then you fold when you feel the horse take off. Sounds silly, but I find it helps.

[HoRsE ChIcK]

I have the exact same problem as you except i never come off(it must be that special glue i use ;))The problem with using canter poles for me is that my little mare tries to jump them!I just kept practicing over little thngs and also, i noticed that the more i tried to count strides to when I was going to take off the harder it was to get it right.If u just relax,and when you feel the horse lift himself up, lean forward and grab her mane, it will help u not get left behind!
bye!
~Holly~

[Piaffe]

What LindaAd said really does work - try 'waiting' for the jump - start with small jumps first. The other thing to remember is on landing, don't sit up too soon. Wait for all four of the horses legs to hit the ground before sitting completely upright and riding forward.

Practice always makes perfect, or near as!! keep trying!

[horsemad]

What about getting into jumping position a few strides before the jump - then you can don't have to worry about getting left behind. I certainly find this easier, because you have plenty of time to get yourself into the right position, and you don't have the added complication of trying to anticipate when the horse will take off.

[Showjumper]

That can sometimes work over smaller jumps, horsemad, but I tend to find that it puts the horses onto their forehands, making it harder to jump, and if they do jump, they jump flat instead of basculing nicely.

[horsemad]

You are right Showjumper - I should have said that this approach may be useful when learning how to jump, and not as a technique for more experienced riders or for riders doing bigger jumps. From my own point of view, I find that getting into jumping position before the jump helps - but then again I'm doing teeny crosspoles, not 'proper' jumps. :)

[happyhorse]

the only problem about getting into jump postion before you jump is if the horse stops you are more likely to hit the deck. i used to fall of my horse on regular occasions due to the fact that he is forward going when jumping and i used to leave him to it , then he would get about a stride from the jump and decide not to jump. i learnt that although he was forward going and eager to jump if i just sat thier he didn't jump well. i now have my legs on and ride him forward into it and we are jumping beutifully. its a common problem with forward going horses as people tend to be either afraid to use thier legs on them or think they don't need to , when really they need ur legs thier as much as a horse that isn't forward going.

not sure if thats of any help but it is my personal experience.

[FreedomStar]

Like what LindaAd said, just wait for the jump to come to you. And don't think of falling off. That may be the problem. Also, look up at something beyond the jump. Looking down at the jump may be the problem, because when you jump and you're looking down at the jump, it throws you off balance.

[Lucy J]

I tend to look and see how many strides I think it should be then I count out loud 1, 2, 3 jump/up. I do this when lunging my horse over jumps too. It help her to understand. When riding I will nudge her to take off and that stops her putting little tiny strides in. Sometimes we take off too early or late, but she jumps when I ask so at least we stay together.

[Laura Ashton]

All good help so far. I know from experience that unless you are riding your own horse - it is often difficult to anticipate when they will take off. It is important, however to ride positively and ensure that the quality of your canter is good. It is often difficult to see a stride (i.e. anticipate when your horse will take off) - but as the rider your job is to give the horse/pony the best possible chance to jump effectively. Good approach, etc.

For a number of years I was approaching fences and although generally, I didn't fall off - it was hit or miss if I was in front or behind the action.

Talk to your instructor and perhaps walk the strides with her - two strides for take off and landing and four for each non jumping stride. Lucy's advice of called out land 1, 2 jump is good - it will relax you and it will give you an idea when you can expect the horse to take off.

If all else fails - a good warm bath helps - it will come good in the end. ;)

[Mark]

Apologies for the delay in acknowleding your advice which is all very welcome and useful. I have printed it off and will try and put it into effect.

M