Need Jumping Advice!

[PromiseMe]

When I jump, my leg slips back! I don't know what to do to stop this from happening... I don't even notice it most of the time. What can I do to stop it from slipping back over the jump?

I also tend to overjump/jump ahead of the horse... what else can I do to correct this?

Thanks!

[kedwards]

The two are likely related (jumping ahead and leg slipping back).

Start by checking that your stirrups are the correct length (in particular, that they are short enough for jumping).

For exercises, a great one for learning to wait for the horse is to jump with your eyes closed so that you can't anticipate and jump ahead.

Going over small gymnastics can help with the leg, if you really focus on keeping your heel down and leg forward. Some people find that doing the exercise in two point is particularly helpful for stabilizing and strengthening the lower leg.

[SarahC]

I also tend to overjump/jump ahead of the horse
Ok, I think that one of the main things here is to not look at the jump as you approach/jump it. You must be looking up and ahead so that you can *feel* when your horse takes off. I know I used to be terrible with this and we figured out that as we approached the jump, I would be looking at it, which meant I would be taking off when I *thought* we should be doing so and not when my horse actually was!

When I jump, my leg slips back
Again, another problem I had. My instructor told me to really feel the weight through the back of my calves and into my heel and to almost try to show the sole of my feet. Of course, you don't actually do that, but the thought of 'I must show the soles' meant that you would have more control over your lower leg. I also think that instead of actually folding from the hips, I used to use my stirrups to take off and almost stand up in, which of course makes for a very unstable lower leg.

Of course, there will be other far more qualified people on here to advise, but as these two things used to be my biggest problems, I just thought I'd tell you what we discovered!

S

[PromiseMe]

Kedwards & SarahC -- Thank you so much for you advice! It really makes sense and I'll definitely try it out!

SarahC - the sole thign sounds like it coudl really work well! I'll *definitely* try that.

Kedwards -- I think you're definitely right about this!
The two are likely related (jumping ahead and leg slipping back).

Now looking at photos... it makes sense. (sorry pics are really small, clipped from vids)
Picture 1 (http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/protectrez/detail?.dir=8be8&.dnm=2b2d.jpg&.src=ph): She took off at a long spot, so I didn't anticipate the jump, and my leg hasn't slipped back as much. And I don't think I'm over jumping here?

Picture2 (http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/protectrez/detail?.dir=8be8&.dnm=b76c.jpg&.src=ph): My leg is wayyy back there, even over a tiny xrail. And it might not be the best view (?) but I think I'm definitely overjumping here. (its hard for me NOT to anticipate the jump... hehe)

What do you think? Sound about right?
(by the way, you mentioned stirrup length... how does that look in the pictures? Is it an appropriate length for jumping?)


Anythign else I need to work on? (everyone... constructive criticism is welcome :D)

[kedwards]

I agree that you look much better in the first picture. In fact, I think it looks very nice.

You say "even over this tiny x-rail," but to be honest, it can be difficult to not over-jump small cross-rails. A horse needn't make much effort over them so there is less movement to fold the rider into position. The solution is to only move as much as is necessary to stay with the horse, but it can be tempting to get "in position" and do a little jump for the horse.

[laura jeanne]

I've only jumped a few cross rails, and that was last year, but I would say that if you leave your hands where they are on the horse's neck, move your upper body back so that your upper arms are vertical. That will move your bum back over the seat so that your center of gravity is back more. If you take away the horse from the picture, you should look like you would be able to stand on your own without falling forward.

I tended to stand on my stirrups too much at first and I had to do lots and lots of work in 2 point to help me.

You are looking up nicely and have a flat back which does look very nice. (says the expert in imitation of George Morris - haha)