Trouble with jumping

[LongShot]

I've bin jumping for about 3 to 4 months. Last week my instructor decided to set up a capelette(SP?) with 3 ground poles in front of a small X. I then figured out that I “throw myself at the jump” so then I tried to stop movement and it feels like I'm getting left behind but I try as hard as I can to not pull back on my horse's mouth though. Any tips? Do you think it's a weak position? Also when I throw myself at the jump, Norton the horse I'm riding who's a thoroughbred, goes too fast out of the jump. I’ll keep on trying the capelette exercise I guess and hope I can get it, but any tips for releasing:( ?

[Trewsers]

Is it not cavaletti? sorry can't be of help though - I've not done any jumping (yet!!):)

[Vicki&Milo]

Are you jumping in trot or canter. To be honest I find it much more difficult in trot, because it is much less smooth and the jump is a definite transition, which won't be helping the problems you describe (as the horse almost stops, then jumps).
If you are doing the cavaletti in canter already then it really just is a case of practice makes perfect. Its something you can't learn, you just get it one day (although they'll always be the odd occasion when you get it wrong).
I've not done any jumping for a long time, and when I do now my timings all over the shop, so don't worry.
Vicki xx

[Marmite]

As you come up to the jump, try to judge your strides by counting "1....2......3" before it. On 2 or 3, push your hands up the horses neck then you don't grab at his mouth and push your bum backwards in the saddle. Don't stand up too high, and keep your body in allignment with the horses neck. Lots of people over compensate for the horse by throwing themselves right forward over a six inch jump lol, thinking they are helping the horse when in fact they are making his job harder.

[Marmite]

wow..........how small and rubbish is that diagram. Id be worried if I looked like that, but at least it gives an idea of what it should look like. And dont go into it too early. On lading just keep looking up and sit back smoothly

[katieB]

If you throw yourself over the jump you are also putting all your weight on the horses forehand whch is probably whats making him run on landing. A bit of practice and you will find the natural balance, with fairly small jumps you dont really need to be folding too much its only when the fences get a little bigger you need to do that.

[samsaria]

Marmite, that is the cutest sketch!!!

[kedwards]

I think it's a cute sketch too, Marmite.

But, to the original question, it's perfectly acceptable to grab a handful of mane, which will ensure that you won't catch your horse in the mouth if your timing is off. You can do this as a matter of course until you are sure your position is steady enough that your seat and hands are independent over the jumps. Even when they are, you may find grabbing mane a good option to have at your disposal for those "just in case" moments.

[jumper485]

It would also be useful to ride with jumping length stirrups a bit more often to improve your balance in them (even when not jumping), and I would also practice your jump position on the flat. You need to get your weight into your heels with a secure lower leg then you wont need to throw yourself in front of the horse or if you get left behind you'll slip the reins as your balance is all in the bottom half of your body. Takes years of practice though and it sounds like your heading in the right direction. As long as your enjoying it and improving at the same time just keep plugging away at it.

[arabianbaby]

my only suggestions would be if you are trotting into the jump to go into your 2 point a little sooner so you don't feel like you have to throw yourself forward as he jumps. if at a canter you can make it not such a big move by going into the jump in a more forward seat.
both those have really helped me. good luck. :)