My jumping is awful!

[Jazz]

I just cant seem to get my jumping right. I know in theory what position I should be in but when it comes to practice I cant do it. My main problem is that when I go over a jump I do not 'bend' enough. On landing I always seem to lose balance and end up on the horses neck. It is as if I am getting left behind.
Does anyone have this problem or know how to correct it? I think as well it has to do with timing as I am unsure when to go into jumping position.

[Hollymead]

Hi Jazz, I too have problems with my jumping position. I can do it fine in practice on the flat, but it falls to pieces when I actually jump. Have you practiced your position lots on the flat? Can you hold it in halt, walk, trot and canter? If not, that would be a good place to start, if so, then do what my instructor is currently doing with me.
On the approach to the jump, once the horse is going forward and straight I go into the jumping position early i.e. several strides out. That way you're organised once you actually get to the jump and take-off. There is therefore very little chance of you getting left behind and collapsing on landing. Once you can comfortably do this, say five strides out, try it at three strides, and so forth. I'm currently down to about two-three strides and hope that in a few more lesson's time I'll be secure enough to leave it until I'm supposed to!
Hope this helps, it's sure helped me :)

[Jazz]

thanks. I have tried going into jumping position on the flat and then over poles. It seems to be once I am jumping it all seems to go wrong.

[firefairy123]

I just cant seem to get my jumping right. I know in theory what position I should be in but when it comes to practice I cant do it. My main problem is that when I go over a jump I do not 'bend' enough. On landing I always seem to lose balance and end up on the horses neck. It is as if I am getting left behind.
Does anyone have this problem or know how to correct it? I think as well it has to do with timing as I am unsure when to go into jumping position.

hi there i did have this problem and my instructor told me to sit tall till the jump then at the jump fold hlding the horses mane then instead of making a hurry to sit again wait till the rear end of the horse comes up to you

[Cheeky]

Heya ...

This I can help u with … I do this all the time: Do u hav your own horse or ride at a school? Either way, this will help. From the sounds of it, your leaning to far forward, and getting that feeling of " :eek: AAAAAHHH!!! THE GROUND IS COMMIN!" is totally normal.. but if you feel threatened by it, you may be relying on your hands for balance. Practising on flat is fine .. but lyk u say, its nothing lyk the real thing. This is what I can suggest, and even when you get the hang of jumping, keep practising, as it helps your seat.

Seat. Legs. Hands. Floor.

That is the sequence of lyf. Seat will save you – not your hands. Your seat will keep u in place. You legs will control the speed. Your hands will control the direction. The floor is your last resort. Do u feel u balance to much on your hands? Not sure? It’s easy. When your walking large (ok, when I say this, I mean around the outside of the arena.), tie a knot in your reins. Now, with your left hand, hold the reins and put your right hand to the side, then on your head, then waggle it about. Then swap. Now move into trot. Do the same until your comfortable riding with one hand on the rein … then its time for big kid stuff. Let go. Doing it in walk is easy … trot will get you thinking. If you are a nervous rider – try it by yourself. Honestly, it is easier than it sounds … U shld be able to trot around with no hands easy. Either put them on your sides (behind the knee) or out to the sides … your choice. This is easy stuff. U will notice (if u haven’t done this before) that your legs are tense … relax, jst chill … coz now its time for high school. Take hold of the reins and move into canter :eek: . Yes, I said canter. Again, one hand at a time, let go. Keep going around on a large area (round yard or arena … where ever your happy) then GO! Let go! Even if u only hold the buckle, u have reached the point – SEAT!! Note: your horse may lower his head … that is fine. Let him have some fun too.

How easy is that? You (after as long as it takes) are now capable of riding in canter with no hands … how handy is that? But where does jumping come into this? Make a small X bar jump … as small as u get. Move into trot and trot over it. Yep, if u feel the floor is coming, don’t worry. Go over again. Now, this time go over with knot still in the reins with ONE hand on the reins. After the jump, by all means take the reins. Keep going until you can jump with no hands. It is small, but you are building your seat, and learning to trust it. Do this over tiny jumps and trot poles … and slowly make your jumps higher. Keep it in trot tho, until your ready for canter – and I would recommend someone being there, jst for support (and to show off too hehe) … Enjoy. Heres my story …

I have been doing this eva since I can rememba :rolleyes: … now I am jumping again (my confidence was burst by a suicidle Appy) with no hands, over 4 jumps in a row :eek: , with a horse that isn’t v. good at jumping, that jumps them like a water jump!! He can jump 2 in one stride, and do bounces in between when there is ment to be a stride of canter … the best thing is, I can trust my seat coz I can feel what he is going to do (he isn’t a pro jumper … mainly dressage …). And the best news is? I haven’t fallen off in over 3.5 yrs :) I hope this helps … if u want more tips, email: mootiful@tpg.com.au … ta