ok *gulp* annual picture critique, what do you think?

[Elvengirl]

ok, well just finished my last show of the outdoor season and thought it time to put the piccie up for your scrutiny...so, what do you think? All criticism welcome :)

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL583/2913753/8166612/108704247.jpg

[ponymadgal]

that photo is fantastic!!!! you look really good and professional!!! all i would say is your hands uo a bit (but i am funny with jumping and reins i am terrified of jabbing mouth so it might just be my fear talking) but you look so great! i wish i could jump like tht i am like the worlds worst rider!! well done!

[domane]

Lovely piccy - criticism??? Absolutely none - you both look great. Well done.

[casey]

You both look fab. :)

[notpoodle]

i crtitisize the following!

1. that jump is far too high!

2. youre both far too good for your own good :D

julia
xx

[Cool Rider]

i crtitisize the following!

1. that jump is far too high!

2. youre both far too good for your own good :D

julia
xx

Lol very good notpoodle :D :D

[ponymadgal]

you are really good!! how long have you been riding? i wish i could ride on that!!! all i get is criticism of my horse:( but people dont like her, they say she isnt ood enough!

[Rips]

Ye both look fantastic. Have a good season? We've only about 2 weeks left of ours :(

[helenc]

What would YOU change about your position?

I think you need to sit your bum back ever so slightly, sit up a little more & have quite a bit more freedom in your shoulder. It seems that you are leaning forward too much to compensate for the lack of movement in your hands, arms & shoulders. You don't need to throw yourself forward quite so much.

Hope this helps

[Elvengirl]

:) Thanks so much for nice comments! :)

ponymadgal: I have been taking riding lessons for 3 years now, however I did recreational riding on and off when I was younger, but nothing that I would consider riding (bounce around on poor old horse's back! :o )

Rips: We had a pretty good season, we took home ribbons everytime out which is more than I could ask for, but we had lots of fun as well, which is what I'm really after :) :p

Just wanted to add, which is why pictures are always so hard to critique, my horse has a tendency to be a tank and loves to get strung out and jump flat, so I am not able to give him anymore of a release than just softening my fingers a bit. He needs a steady contact in front of and over the fence or I'm in BIG trouble when we land, especially when this pic was taken, which was coming into a double. He tends to be insecure and trial and error has proven that he is most comfortable with this kind of ride.

I agree with you, helenc, in that what I would change would be opening my shoulders and allowing more freedom there, which is a challenge with a strong mount, (I get very fatigued at times!) I'm hoping it will come with time and practice. I would also like my hip angle to be more open, letting him close the angle up to me. This picture was during a speed class, where I tend to anticipate a bit, such an annoying habit! Thanks for your input! :) :p

[helenc]

I agree with you, helenc, in that what I would change would be opening my shoulders and allowing more freedom there, which is a challenge with a strong mount, (I get very fatigued at times!) I'm hoping it will come with time and practice. I would also like my hip angle to be more open, letting him close the angle up to me. This picture was during a speed class, where I tend to anticipate a bit, such an annoying habit! Thanks for your input! :) :p

I do exactly the same things - I'm currently working through it with my trainer & things are getting better but it does take time to break bad habits - much more time than getting into them :)

[Just.Jump]

Your rounding your back a bit, so aim for a flatter back (And therefor a bump that sticks out a bit more =P) and considering it's a nice wide jump, I'd say a bit more release in the reins.

[Cochise]

I'm not one to criticise. I like the way you're both focussing on the jump, and you have your eyes up and ahead. :)

[Elvengirl]

and don't forget, helenc, there is always a new bad habit ready to start as soon as you've conquered the old one! :rolleyes: ;)

[helenc]

and don't forget, helenc, there is always a new bad habit ready to start as soon as you've conquered the old one! :rolleyes: ;)

lol, yes I am all too aware of that

[michelle c]

you both look great!!!! :) maybe your hands can go forwards a bit more, but other than that i cant see any thing wrong oh is that a standing martingale? if so why do you use one?

[SarahJay]

A stunning piccie!
You look fantastic together! :p

[Perfect Pony]

First of all can i say that you both look fantastic!!!! But where is your body protector!!! Oh god i sound like my mother now!!! I know i hate wearing mine too!!!
I agree with helenc about your position but none the less you do look great, im never good a photos when im jumping, the expression on my face always says i hope he bloody jumps it and i dont die!!! However you look like your enjoying it!!!
The only other thing i can say is for you to relax a bit more in your arms and shoulders!!!

[roxycutie]

Wow! You two look really sharp and professional! You and your horse look so attentive and happy. Theres little one can say negative about this pic. Try opening your shoulders and arching your back a little more, other that that you two look fantastic! :D :D

[Elvengirl]

michellec: I use the standing martingale for safety and control. I am going to be switching to a running martingale this winter, as we increase the heights of the fences. My trainer does not allow anyone to show without one as a rider can be badly injured if a horse throws his head above the bit and tanks off for whatever reason.

shadowdancer: unfortunatly body protectors are not a common practice where I'm from (although they really should be :rolleyes: !) I honestly think noone except for the little kids on ponies wear one and of course the XC riders where it is required. They are expensive here too..around $400 canadian dollars...which I can't afford. (just watch me fall off and break a rib within the next week!) Yes I really should have one.

[daisy bear]

wow you look brilliant :D i wish i could jump like that! :D

[Talou]

Wow you two look amazing! Well done!
I'm definately not one to critisize anything! :rolleyes: :)

[colouredcrazy]

You look fab Elvengirl! How high are you jumping now?

Ellie

[Alice25]

You look great! What a brilliant photo. There's no way I can possibly critisize anything as your position is way better than mine ever will be!

[Elvengirl]

Thanks!! :D

colouredcrazy: we are jumping 3'6" at home and we show 2'9" to 3'3".

[ponytude]

shadowdancer: unfortunatly body protectors are not a common practice where I'm from (although they really should be :rolleyes: !) I honestly think noone except for the little kids on ponies wear one and of course the XC riders where it is required. They are expensive here too..around $400 canadian dollars...which I can't afford. (just watch me fall off and break a rib within the next week!) Yes I really should have one.

lol, I am in the middle of the country but Kinda started a fad at my barn. I bought a Tipperary Eventer Vest from GH and soon after I know atleast 5 other people that have purchased the same vest (Only one that is a different colour then mine, lol)

Very nice jumping pic! All I can say is WOW! :)

[Elvengirl]

yes, maybe I should start a trend...urg I'm so not a trend-setter haha! :rolleyes: ;)

[Perfect Pony]

sorry guys, i really should start looking where ppl are from first!!! :o
Personally i only ever wear mine for show jumping as my mum would kick my ass and also cross country coz its tooooo dangerous on shadow without 1!!!
You do look very good tho, i got a pic back from my showing class at the weekend, all i can say is lovely horse, shame about the rider!!! I have a terrible habbit of concertrating too much, and it shows in my face expression!!! I would post it on here but oh the humiliation and of course lack of scaner!!! Shadow looked fab tho!!! :D
Keep the show jumping piccies coming!!!

[arabianknight]

wow, you both look fantastic. but I just started jumping. and I was wondering If It was a must to get up off the saddle and lean forward on the horse? please tell me, I am desperate to learn more and more about horses!

[Elvengirl]

Thanks! :)

Yes it is a must to rise in your saddle into what is called the "two-point" position in order to free up your horses back whilst giving with your hands in what's called a "release" When jumping fences a rider must interfere with the horse's jump as little as possible and this method works the best.

Jumping is a lot of fun but make sure you find a qualified instructor as it is something that, I believe, cannot be taught on one's own. If you already have done so, your instructor can tell you all about the world of jumping and how to do it and make it fun. A person's jumping position is very hard to critique by themselves and, like most riding, is better if critiqued by someone on the ground. Happy Jumping!! :)

[Pink's lady]

Nice strong position although you're a little too close to your hands (they need to give a little AND you need to sit up just a tad) but it's a secure position.

And a standing martinggale :eek: :( They're horrific things to jumping in and can do so much damage to the horse. No wonder he's jumping with his nose tucked in rather than stretching and using himself properly. They have no give in them at all and don't allow the horse to stretch. If something goes wrong, they give the horse no scope to correct themselves. I've know of horses doing serious damage to their neck and backs, not to mention their noses when they trip or have to stretch to make a jump :( What happens if you horse trips and needs to stretch his neck out and down to regain his balance?

I'd change it to a standing asap. They only come into affect when you have a contact and, if there's a problem (i.e the horse really has to stretch to make a fence on a wrong stride), then by releasing the reins you can prevent a serious accident.

Unfortunatly it seens really common in America and Canada to jump in a standing. It's almost inheard of over here. I rode at 6 different places when over that way for a comp and EVER barn had them jumping in standing martingales. I asked them to take them off to jump and wouldn't jump at the two places that refused.

[rocketman]

You asked for an honest critique, so here are my observations:

The good points:

What a lovely, earnest looking horse - ears pricked, alert expression - he (or she) obviously has a great attitude and enjoys the job! I would like to see the horse's knees tucked up a little higher, but considering the small size of the fence and the clear aptitude to jump far higher, the horse is quite sensibly not doing more than what is required.

I like the rider's position on the horse and your leg is precisely where it should be. Both rider and horse have the look of a bold and well-coordinated team.

My critique:

I would like to see more release from the rider's hands. You should try to reach further forward and, in the air, let go of your horse's head, which is still quite vertical. Horse's must use their head and neck for balance when they jump. Your reins are not too short, but you could have relaxed your elbows a bit more and followed the horse's motion better if you allowed your hands to move up his neck and planted them midway on his crest (called the short-crest release in America).

When you graduate to larger fences, this will become much more important.

I don't mean to be picky, but there is always room for improvement. You and your horse appear to have lots of potential, but don't cramp his style. You must trust your horse and give him his head when he leaves the ground if you are to jump the bigger fences (and he looks like he wants to go higher).

[rocketman]

Btw - I should have added:

You should feel very encouraged. Despite my one little criticism, everything else looks great and you have managed to do the ONE and MOST IMPORTANT thing, which is to teach your horse to enjoy what he's doing! I cannot overemphasize how important this is.

Also, I do not agree that standing martingales are a negative. Years ago (and I am a really old bat), my horse took me to the Horse of the Year Show in a standing martingale.

They are not allowed under FEI (international) rules, but you have a ways to go before you worry about that.

You are definitely on the right track.

[Elvengirl]

Pink's Lady: Thanks for the critique, those two things I would like to change as well and am working on them. :) I'm not going to say anything about using a standing martingale as there are about a million arguments on this board about them already and I don't think anyone needs to read anymore of them. I use one properly, it does not effect the way my horse jumps, end of story.

rocketman: Thank-you for the honest critique. I agree with you and can see all the mistakes you've pointed out. As this is only our second year showing together I'm sure the trust will come with time. He can jump higher but still has insecurities at this height as we are both new at this (yes not the best match I know! :rolleyes: ). He wants good contact in front of and over the fence (I mean hand as well as leg) I just have to get my timing right with him or it gets ugly. Before next season I will definatly be focusing on my release and get my timing more accurate (ie. not too early, not too late) as well as strengthening my upper body which is where the whole problem starts I think. Do you think this would be the right approach? Thank-you for taking the time to give me a great critique! :)

[Elvengirl]

sorry cross posted a bit...yes I am planning on a switch to a running martingale as the jumps get bigger but the standing martingale did the trick whilst we competed in equitation and hunters before moving up to jumpers.

[tb_rider]

Wow!!! your horse and you look fabulose over that! and your horse is really pretty!

[Elvengirl]

Thanks! :D

[yazminopalomino]

no offence to ppl hu dnt jump but id say go BIGGER that jump is far too small for you are you BSJA i am and i prefer bigger fences i think u luk like u wud too :)

[Elvengirl]

lol...I am affiliated with Equine Canada, ASJA, and CET, and AHHS (these are the Canadian equivalent to your BSJA and varying local organizations) and I show at nationally recognized shows. My horse is registered as a preliminary 1 (the lowest level) because he had not had any winnings at national shows prior to me getting him (wasn't passported at all). So we start at the bottom and move up accordingly (I think a lot like your double clears etc. where you accumulate $$$ winnings and/or points?)
He was not a confident horse when we first started showing (not happy at all) so we take things deliberatly slow for the sake of us both (I don't want any accidents either) He's doing wonderful at the height we show currently (.90m to 1.00m) and we will move up as we ride at each height better. Just because we could probably flop around a 1.20m course (dangerously) doesn't mean we should, it would risk ruining us both. We have fun in what we are doing, and I in no way feel I should push myself or him too far out of what's comfortable. :)

[yazminopalomino]

hiya sounds fun no there wud b no point in that it jus ruins the porse/pony for the future if you do it the rite way then you can get your horse purfect and get lotsa wins fun n $$$$$$ or in my case £££££ another fortune is jus startin in novice but im hoping shell go far how old is your horse gone with sparks is old now 1`5 but acts 6 n another fortune is just 7 a bit older than i wanted but shes gr8 :)

[Pink's lady]

yazminopalomino - please don't write in text speak - many of the uses on here are not native english speakers and fine it impossible to understand. I AM a native english speaker and I find it hard to read ;) Many people will tell you the same. :)

[Elvengirl]

haha so THATS what that typing is...thought it was just bad grammer (for some on this board english is their second language) which is all the more reason one should not use text speak!

Shaq is 11 years young..bit of a late bloomer, but hey, so am I :D ;)

[PonyGirlAsh]

Elvengirl, I know this is a pretty old thread but I've just been looking round at old stuff!! Can I just ask- you said you've only been riding for 3 years (not including the stuff that didn't count when you were younger)...How on earth are you so good?!! How often do you ride, and what are your secrets for such quick success??! Tell me tell me tell me, I've been riding (off an on) for probably 8 years and I'm definitely not at your level, but I really want to be! :) Thanks!

[Elvengirl]

thanks so much ponygirl. Basically I just work really hard, ride as many different horses as possible and as often as possible (which is not so easy with uni classes to attend :mad: ) My coach is very good, not mean but very picky and always inspires me to try for her and my horse is very good too (makes me look good :p ) But mostly I just have a positive attitude and will never turn down an extra horse to ride if I have the time, I also ask people if I can try their horses out etc. I know I'm weird but most people don't mind :rolleyes:
I ride during the summer 6 days a week and show as well as work at the barn and excersize/train maybe 3 other horses. During school I ride 4 times a week with a couple lessons. I also take dressage lessons from a Grand Prix coach once a fortnight or less, which is expensive but worth every penny!

[PonyGirlAsh]

Wow, you really get a lot of riding time in! I'm insanely jealous! :) I can only afford (time and money) 2 lessons a week, which feels like a lot for me, since last year I was only on once a week. It's hard having a job and going to uni and trying to figure out a career, while trying to improve at riding at the same time! I'm hoping that as I stay at my training stable longer that I'll start meeting people that need their horses exercised! :) Keep up your hard work, and I agree, the expense is TOTALLY worth it!!!

[horsefanatic]

WOW :eek: :eek: :eek: !!!!!!! You are a really good rider! I wish i could ride as well as that! :cool: :cool:

[horsefanatic]

I only get to ride ONCE a week for 45 minutes ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: UNFAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rockyrox]

you look like a very solid rider and your horse is gorgeous! just a couple of quick comments. you have a great leg which provides you with an excellent base of support but you seem to be ducking over your horse's neck, roaching your back and leaning on your hands. i would suggest working on slowing your upper body and not making as huge of an effort over this size fence, as well as working on having a more forgiving hand over fences which will allow your very goodlooking horse to round even more over his fences. you guys look like a great team though, lovely horse, keep up the obviously good work!

[jumper-4-joy]

Great Picture! But, sorry, I have just a wee bit of critisism :rolleyes: You are sort of "ducking" into your horses neck. This could be because your horse has a lofty jump. Just try to open your shoulders more, and put your hands more forward, so your horse can really strechand round over the jump.One more thing-sorry :( -your heels should be down more and flexed. TRUST ME! This is one of the most important things! It will put your form perfect!

Great picture! Probably one day see you in the Olympics!!! :D :D