HELP: Learning to jump small XXXs

[Karin]

Hi all,
My coach started me with the poles (trotting) and I have graduated to jumping small XXs while in the rising trot and two point (trotting). But, I can't quite figure out how to signal the horse to jump.

Everytime I hit the zone where the coach says "kick now, you have to ask her to jump" I start getting stupid. I know when to kick but not sure how to.

When I'm in the rising trot and I turn my heels in to kick/nudge I'm invariably out of the seat and my signal is very weak - when I'm in the two-point I haven't figured out how to pull my legs out far enough to come back in enough to have her notice I'm even there.

Once I tried to sit the trot so I could kick more effectively but unfortunately she went up when I came down. OW!

ps A little background on Wanda. In the beginning of every exercise we do together she tries to do as little as possible - we joke she has a trot slower than a walk! And, she requires very strong aids having been ridden by beginners for some time, otherwise she takes advantage of me. Once we get going and she realizes I mean business she works with me beautifully - that's why I've go to figure out how to get over the XXs, she's more likely to try to go under :)!

Any ideas? Thanks Karin

[summer]

Hi there
Sounds like your horse has learned how to the bare minimum, but I have to say that over small x poles from trot, you shouldn't have to tell her when to jump. Make sure you have enough impulsion throughout your approach, by keeping your leg on, nice and snug. This way, you won't have to take your leg off to kick, which is bound to upset your balance at this stage. If she is truly lazy, carry a short stick and give her a tap on the shoulder just before take-off. And remember - the most important thing you can do to improve your jumping and keep going forward is look straight ahead. If you look down at your jump, she'll slow down and may stop to have a look herself!
Good luck, and keep at it!