Two Pointing Question for American Riders

[wanabe]

or those who understand American riding terminology. :)

When you two point do you keep your hands suspended in the air or place them on the horses neck -- or both depending on circumstances? For example, lower them onto the neck when a jump is coming up? It seems hands in the air would be a literal "two point".

[laura jeanne]

If you are just riding in 2 point, you would not be touching the horse with your hands. If you feel you have to for balance, then you need to adjust your position so that you are in balance. If you are tipping forward, which I suspect, then you need to bring your leg forward a little and you rear back some. Try it on the ground, it should be the same I think. The slower you are going (trot vs canter vs gallop), the less you have to lean forward??

When you go over a jump, at least when first learning, you reach forward and rest your hands on either side of the horse's neck.

At least that's my amateur opinion and what I was taught.

[Lindsayanne]

Edited: Whoops, didn't realize this question was specific for two-point

[Peace]

I don't jump, but I have an h/j instructor who has had me practice two-point quite a bit as a balancing exercise. :) She had me keep my hands in the same position as for riding in a three-point seat. As laura jeanne says, you have to make sure your feet are directly underneath your center of gravity or you'll tip forward. Of course, that's where the rider's feet are supposed to be all the time ;) , but it's so easy to let them slip forward, isn't it. :) That's why two-point is such a good exercise even for non-jumpers like me. :)

[wanabe]

Thanks, everyone -- especially Laura Jeanne! :)

I must say, 2-point may be why men don't like to ride! Your butt stuck out like that isn't very manly!!! :o

Something peace said -- (this is changing the subject away from 2-pointing) -- I'm never quite clear how far back to hold my feet when I 3-point. Would standing up in the stirrups, briefly, but balanced, establish the correct position?

[Peace]

Yes, that was another exercise my instructor had me do. I'd stand straight up in my stirrups, arms extended out to the side, and balance like that as the horse walked - she would lead him, BTW. :) Your feet absolutely have to be in the right position, or you'll fall backward.

[laura jeanne]

[QUOTE=wanabe]

I must say, 2-point may be why men don't like to ride! Your butt stuck out like that isn't very manly!!! :o

[QUOTE]

In the extreme, you would be looking like a jockey, so that's not so bad!

[tb_rider]

You should be resting them in the mane, grabing mane so you don't yank on the horses mouth.

[ponytude]

You should be resting them in the mane, grabing mane so you don't yank on the horses mouth.

Especially for jumping so you "follow" the horse. :)

[dancing-horse]

I rest my hands on the horses neck, but Im not sure whether this is right. My trainer has not really said anything about it. She ahs said it a few times, but it wasn't something she stressed on. I think that your hands should be up and off the horses neck.

[Izod1360]

when i go into 2 point i put my thumbs on the horses neck but when i jump i dont do that.