Bad Jumping position!

[louisesj]

I've just started riding again after a few months, and I just can't get the hang of my jumping position! Im not sure whats going wrong, i just know that im out of balance with the horse and a number of people have commented. Does anyone else have this problem, or any tips for getting back into things?

[marchhare]

Hello,

I have exactly the same problem. I've been riding on and off for 18 years and every time it comes to learning to jump, I get so far and give up again. I am fine over very small jumps, but at about 2ft 6" I start getting left behind. I think I don't lean forward enough, or sit up too early and then get left behind and usually fall off.

I am determined to try again though and this time, I'm not going to give up when the going gets tough! My advice is to stick with it. I am sure that practice makes perfect and concentrate on really leaning forward over the jump. Perhaps try getting into jumping position in the run up to the jump - trotting poles before it might help and get someone to put out faults in your position.

[louisesj]

same here! im totally fine over small jumps but go to pieces over the bigger ones!

[CityGirl]

what is it that's going wrong over the bigger fences? Jumping ahead? Getting left behind? Diagnosing the specific problem will help people give you suggestions.

[kedwards]

Without seeing you jump, we can only guess what might be going wrong, which is where a good instructor can come in. He or she should be able to tell what the issue is and help develop some exercises to help you improve it. Some general things that can make jumping more challenging include rounding your back/hunching your shoulders, anticipating the jump rather than letting the horse "come to you," or general stiffness and tension making it difficult to absorb the movements naturally.

Riding through a series of cavalleti in 2-point can help you learn to absorb the movement in your knees and ankles, however, you do eventually want to learn to sit on the approach. If timing is an issue, riding into a cavelliti/x-rail/small vertical (or whatever you feel comfortable with) with your eyes closed can help you learn to wait for the horse.