how important is jump position?

[~*sugarlump*~]

I've noticed (whilst sneaking looks in H+H in sainsburies:D) that there do seem to be a fair few young SJs whose position looks abit strange.

i'm not critising them, they're better riders than i could ever be.

it just seems wierd, as in my lessons or riding at home i try to perfect my position. yet these riders have their legs as back as they could possibly get them, and almost seem to be lying on their horses necks.

however when i look at the older more experienced riders their position seems a little more classical.
has anybody else noticed this?

how important is a good jump seat? or does all that matter is that weight is off horses back and giving with reins?

SLx:)

[horseygal90]

Heck, why go that far? Surely staying on and clearing the course in the fastest time is what matters?! :p */End of sarcasm*

[joosie]

Sugarlump, you should see the way showjumpers ride in Italy. Here people are rarely taught to canter with their bum in the saddle - it's fashionable to just stand in the stirrups and absorb the movement of the canter in the ankles. So when you see people jumping, to the British eye it looks absolutely appalling! But surprisingly enough this actually seems to work for a lot of people... from local-level competitors to the top riders... and children are taught to jump this way from the beginning. The position you're talking about is certainly not perfect, but of course in showjumping your style is not what matters, so long as it is effective! Watch a good quality Working Hunter class, and you see the difference between styles. Also, the American riders here may have an interesting perspective on your question, considering the popularity of equitation jumping competitions over there.
I love watching Geoff Billington ride. He has a kind of old-fashioned style that isn't as pretty or fashionable as many of his fellow competitors, but it definitely works, and I find it more enjoyable to watch.

[Kc..]

Hm i think learning a 'classical' position is always important.
But i think when your going round a course 5ft+ jumps you aren't really thinking about it. And let's be honest SO many people struggle with having an un-stable lower leg me included. ESPECIALLY at that height.. give me a 2'9 jump and i'm sure i could just about get a so called 'perfect' position give me a four foot jump and it may deviate a bit.

Also half the time i think there physically launching themselves over the jump as if they were jumping it. I can't explain but the want to clear that course means you tend to launch yourself over ever jump (i do anyway) in the hope it may somehow mean your horse clears it :p

And maybe the seior riders who have been doing it years don't feel the pressure as much as younger riders not been doing it long?

[Elvengirl]

Jumping position is very important. A correct jumping seat/position allows the horse maximum scope and agility because it is the best place to be to go with the horse, stay balanced over him in the air, and avoid catching him with your hand or bum upon landing. By having a correct, strong and secure seat you can stay out of the way of ANY horse from ANY distance.

Riders in the upper levels have been riding so many years, they have developed a 'style' of going, but for the most part, they still all apply the basic principle of 'get the heck out the way for Ned to get on with the jumping'

If you don't have a good strong seat and you just throw yourself around, or flap your arms or legs, you're probably going to interfere with the horses jump, throw him off balance, and make him less athletic, or he'll just buck you off at the next turn because you aren't doing him any good!

[Iron Maiden]

I think it's important to at least try to have a secure seat that's balanced, if only because you don't tend to fall off quite so often :rolleyes:

[vimto92]

I think its quite important and timing is crucial as you don't want to put the horse off balance. Some people have pretty rough edges to their position but I think as long as your not hindering the horses movement, or being out of time OR balance its not that important.

Personally, I like seeing a good lower leg positon - don't know why, but its just "correct" to me. :rolleyes:

[Lubii]

To be honest, as long as you feel safe, keep of your horses back and out of there way and dont fall off lots its fine, my position is horrible, but the "classical" position puts me of balance. I also believe in Getting into the position before the jump and just waiting for the horse to come up undernieth you. stops lots of falls especally with green horses who may chip in or take off early.

[joey_olop]

My jumping position is horrendous! :o I just hope for the best & hope I get round safe & clear!! I do have lessons but I can never get it right on the day :o