Exercises to improve balance when jumping?

[Teazle]

We went to a show today, and got a nice clear round and four faults (a refusal) in our class. A really good day for us! However, I was so nervous and I kept losing my position and ending up either left behind or just losing my balance and sitting down too quickly after the jump.

Now I know that part of that is nerves/expecting him to refuse, and that sometimes I have to ride him in so much to the jump to make sure he takes off that I almost don't get off the saddle in time when he does go. The clear round was our second attempt and I rode that much better as I knew he'd jump so could think about what I was doing. The class and the first clear round though - oops is all I can think of to say about my riding - we got round, but that was it!

So, I know I need to practice riding with shorter stirrups more, and practise trotting and cantering for decent lengths of time in jumping position to help build my balance, but what else can I do?

How also can I ride so he does jump? I end up resorting to kicking him into it from about four/five strides away, and that means he's not rounded enough and the jump isn't easy for him. If I don't kick, we don't jump. I've jumped and jumped at home over the last month or two to try and get his confidence up (and mine) but we still aren't there. Sometimes he jumps fantastically, first time. Sometimes he doesn't. I try to look past the jump and urge him on. With my daughter's pony, that works a treat, so why not with my boy? How can I build his confidence too?

[Teazle]

Anyone?

[Teazle]

Well, in the absence of any help, I've been doing some reading and have come up with some ideas. Just in case it'll help anyone else, I'm posting them:

Lines of bounces
Doubles and triples
Practising going into and out of jumping position in canter.

[dansmum]

Sorry no one helped!:confused: I seem to have that effect on here too:rolleyes: I think you have found some good ideas though. How about trying some small grids without stirrups if its safe to do so? Best of luck:)

[chev]

Can definitely recommend bounces - it did wonders for my jumping (which was dire). I only have sight in one eye so find it almost impossible to judge distance and 'see' a stride. The bounces really helped with that.

RI also got me working over trotting poles - the poles helped keep the rhythm while I could concentrate on my position without worrying about refusals.

[Anro]

practise your jumping position in walk, trot and if you want canter

[wonkeywoody]

Take your saddle off!!!!! Do some flat work until you are feeling better. May take time, but dont be in a rush as its 'muscle memory' you need to change.
You could use a bareback pad or surcingle and saddle cloth so things are less slippery...............

[fishiz3434]

doing two point holding the mane for balance and going over the jumps or poles so u get the feel of the horse as it jumps and then let go of the mane and jump in two point until u think u'd be able to go over balance without staying in two point for the approach might help...thats wat i do if i'm having trouble over a jump or on an off day :)

[Styric]

Close your lower legs in the last two strides before the fence and straighten your shoulders.