drop jump

[coverblown]

this is really overambitious of me but I have a fairly silly ambition to go round the xc course at our yard. Its a BE course but there's also a mini course and thats what I would do. However there is a drop jump.

Mentally I can picture myself going over every jump except the drop cos I just don't know what to do.

I know the sensible think would be to ask my RI but I haven't even confronted her with this silly ambition yet never mind get out on the course......

I can't imagin folding over a drop jump cos Im sure I would go over his neck as he cantered away downhill after the jump. So do I sit up and back - like being left behind? And hold on to the pommel?

Any help much appreciated, and one day i MAY just do it!

[Iron Maiden]

For a drop you need to be slightly behind the horse's movement, so sitting up with your shoulders back, lower leg forward & heels down, but most important thing is DON'T LOOk DOWN ;) Look up & ahead and you should be fine :D Remember that drop jumps are rider frighteners - horses aren't naturally worried about them, my youngster thinks they are great fun & loves to leap down a decent drop! The thing to do is try not to let the horse know that you are apprehensive, so sit back, look up, ride positively. I wouldn't hold onto the saddle, if you feel you need super security you can lean back & slip your reins a bit. A little drop will probably pass by under your horse's feet almost unnoticed :).

[kaytenherponies]

My advice... practice your death grip!!!!

Sorry am not a jumper. A little x pole is enough to put the wind up me.

Good luck tho! :D

[eml]

Does take a bit of getting used to.

I usually start people over a Xpole on a downhill part of our XC field, then progress to jumping off the mini bank until they can jump off over the tiny
18" sloping plank jump on the minibank ...a drop of about 2'6"

Once you get the idea of look up and out into space and sit up and back its fun!!

[TizzyP]

I think this is a great ambition. I'm inspired!

[coverblown]

this wee drop jump is an elephant to me - I need to start eating it one bite at a time.

So, back to basics, think I will start off by learning to canter downhill!

Thanks for all your help folks, think I will rein in the ambition for the mo'.

A.