Any jumping tips?

[RiderGirl]

I've been walk, trotting and cantering for quite a while and my instructor asked me what I wanted to do, maybe start western, do novice dressage or jumping and I picked jumping. I haven't jumped yet, but could you experienced jumpers or hunters out there tell me some tips and what to expect on your first jump?

[galadriel]

I've got some analysis of the process of jumping here:
http://lorienstable.com/articles/jumping/100-the_rider/

But likely you will start with riding over jumps in "two point." This will allow you to stay balanced, but without having to follow the motion of the horse. You can learn the feel of a jump before trying to ride it.

The disadvantage to staying in two-point over jumps is that you have very little control over the horse. The horse must be trustworthy and able to balance himself; there's not a lot you can do if, say, he decides to duck out of the jump at the last minute. However, most people learning to jump for the first time are put on nice, trustworthy lesson horses :) and so it's not an issue.

[horseyrose]

I think the most crucial things when you first jump are to just look straight ahead (not down at the poles) and go with the movement, letting your arms follow the horses head. Get the horse into a nice trot or canter (I prefer canter) and he'll do most of the work! Mostly importantly, have fun, you'll love it! :D

[Just.Jump]

I'm just starting and trying to think wether or not I want to go on with it (jumping, not just riding). The four biggest pieces of advice I can offer are

-Put your weight in your heels as much as is comfortable (and then even if it's not, keep going :rolleyes: )
-Eyes ALWAYS up- if your looking down at the jump, the horse is going to look down as well, and if it's looking down, folding those legs up gets choppy.
-Don't throw yourself as far forward as your going to want to until you get jumping high. You don't want to lean on the neck, as tempting as it will be!
-Keep your back straight, try to arch it just so that you don't slump all over.

Tell us how it goes!

[RiderGirl]

Thanks for the advice! I really hope I don't fall off on my first jump, but i guess falling is likely, as I actually even fell off on the extended trot when I was a novice!

[RiderGirl]

yay! I had my first jump today! Fortunately, I didn't fall off but I lost both my stirrups. :rolleyes: Still, I'm satisfied. It was a little scary, but I definetely want to go on with it!

[Just.Jump]

My first 'real' jump was something like two months ago! I still don't know what to make of it though, donno if I want to go to an english stable :rolleyes:

[crazy_in_love]

the best tip i ever had was to make sure you have fun with whatever you do!

[copps 4 eva]

how big do u jump on ** horses /pony

[Illusions]

On which photo should you sit down again in the saddle?

[galadriel]

On which photo should you sit down again in the saddle?
http://lorienstable.com/articles/jumping/100-the_rider/part2.php
He'll bring his hind legs down, again close to his forelegs. Once again there is the "rubber band" effect of the back. As his hind legs land, he'll bring his neck up and take weight on his hind end.

The "rubber band" effect should put you back in the saddle, just as it pushed you out at the beginning of the jump. Return to a normal (upright) riding position, prepare to balance him, and gather your reins as his neck comes up.