Jumping Critique

[Lindsey_S]

My horse and I have begun jumping again and recently competed at a small local show. I only have one photo- its over a 2 ft upright (TINY i know). Go ahead, tear it up!:)

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c347/ponykid321/DSCF6549.jpg

PS- I dont know what I was making that awful face for!:p

[drewpoo22]

First overall impression is that you and your horse look nice over the fence. Your horse's knees are nice and even and your position looks stable. Your heel is great, your eyes are up which is good. However it looks like you're folding a bit too much for the small jump, try to wait to your fence and let your horse close the angle into 2-point. Also it looks like your lower leg has slipped back a bit.. jumping without stirrups will probably help. You both look great:)

[KRAZYHORSES]

drewpoo22 pretty much coverd it all but you have to release. Your horse uses its neck to stay balanced and to get over the fence safely, if you restrict it then it will find it incredibly difficult to jump. So just run your hands along the crest as you're going over the fence and it will be a perfect picture!!:D

[lilyharvey]

i agree with krazyhorses-you just need to release your hand a little then you will have a great position!:D Go you two!

[loser88]

Much the same as everyone else- you are overfolding and not releasing with your hands AT ALL! Your horse is lovely though! :D

[EquestrianRider]

Agreed with drewpoo22- release!:) You two make a good team.

[Tink!]

Howdy...
Your Pony is just gorgeous!!

Both you and your Pony look to be Quite 'safe' together, which is great, and your Looking up towards your Next fence which is good.

However you do Need to Give more of a release in your hands up your ponies neck. Your balance is completely in your hands here, which is why your hands are underneath your body, because you've pulled them under there to lift your self into the Jumping Position, which has in turn let your lower leg slip back, and become un steady. What you need to do, is to remember to keep all your balance in your knees and lower leg, and some what 'grip' the saddle, bring your bum back towards the very base of the saddle, and sit a little bit higher up, and then just bring your hands a good 6-8 inches futher up your ponies neck, this will of course, help your balance whilst jumping, and wont be pulling on your ponies mouth when you land!

Good Luck, Practise makes perfect, and nobody ever get it right 100% of the time!

[joey_olop]

Aw lovely pic, Im not a good rider myself so I wont critisise you look great to me :)

[jenren!!]

You need to give more with your hands. From where im sitting you dont look too far forward, but its hard to say. Your hands should be slightly more 'pushed' up the neck. Apart from that, you look good!

Jenny xx

[Lyndz & Siners]

ok so yea, i agree with what everyone is saying, espeacailly that your leaning way to far forward for a jump that small, but you and your horse look good together

[xoxmissy]

Same, just release !!!

[Tootsie4U]

Looks good for a beginner - just work on whats already been said.

Mind if I ask, what breed is your horse?

[Lindsey_S]

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments!! Tootsie: My horse is a 7 year old quarter horse gelding.

Sorry i have not replyed but We've been at the county fair all week.

We jumped in 3 classes, came first in one, third and fourth in the others.

We will be jumping this weekend, and I'll try to get them to take pictures for you all. Maybe I can improve more.

Also: I was wondering what I can do to make my legs stronger so that I can hold my two point for the whole course. As of now I have to keep a light three point seat until just before the jump.

Thanks again for so much help!! Pictures to follow next week!

[chaz_the_star]

Ditto everyone else really..

Just your hands, need to push them up your ponies neck a bit, not too much mind over a little jump. :)

Other than that, to be really picky, your toes are pointing out a tad, but not too much xD

Very pretty pony:D and you two look very good together...hes also very nice and shiny:D

ETA: well done for your showw :D and about your leg postion - I cant really see from this picture, but maybe put your stirrups up a hole or two?

[Herbie's mummy]

just give more with your hands, your horse will struggle to strech over the jump other wise :)
and tell your horse to tuck his front legs up more LOL
well done xxxx

[BeachRiding]

Your looking great!