Need Jumping Advice!

[PromiseMe]

After a few too many falls... I realized a big flaw of mine!!
I fall off whenever a horse refuses the second jump in a combination... becuase I don't sit up between the jumps.

What can I do to help myself sit up more? Other than telling myself that of course...

Like I find that after every jump (combination or not) it takes me at least 3 strides until I sit up... which is just bad!!

So... another question... when exactly should I sit up?
Do I sit up as soon as the horses front feet touch the ground? Or when the horse is done jumping and all their feet are on the ground again?

I also find that i overjump A LOT. My leg goes back and I'm wayy ahead of the horse. What can I do about this? Should I jsut try to wait more (let the horse bring me outta that saddle)... but when I try that, I feel like I'm getting slightly left behind, not sure. Or maybe I'm just not used to it...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Sparkie]

You could try polework, practising going over poles in jumping position and sitting up as soon as possible afterwards, they building up to small jumps and getting bigger. You could also try a neckstrap, which won't help you sit up but might stop you falling! You're meant to sit up when the front feet touch the floor, or slightly before, to stop you flying over the horses head.

With the other problem, I'd try just waiting for the horse. You're probably fine, it just may feel weird for a bit.

[PromiseMe]

Thanks for your reply sparkie :)


Anyone else??

[Just.Jump]

I'm not jumping (yet!), but I find that with anything physical, visualization can be very effective- ao anything from someone swinging a crowbar at your face to a huge hand pulling your shoulders back with a string might be key ^.^;
Also, maybe practice going in and out of two point while cantering/trotting (over poles or not) to your coaches calls might help you to learn how to drop your bottom down and settle your shoulder back, and therfore help you train your muscles to spring back into place on any moments notice.

Then again, I may have no idea as to what I'm talking about, so someone else might want to verify my advice.