Jumping Pictures. Critique away.

[LiLmAyBs]

here are some pictures of me jumping. please critique. no need to be nice say what i need to do to improve. thanks.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/th_JumpingatGalerie024.jpg (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/JumpingatGalerie024.jpg)
small crossrail.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/th_JumpingatGalerie028.jpg (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/JumpingatGalerie028.jpg)
2ft. 6.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/th_JumpingatGalerie027.jpg (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n26/LiLmAyBs/JumpingatGalerie027.jpg)
3ft.


not to take away from anything, but my horse has just started jumping a little while before. she had never been over a fence until i got her. and she was a western horse before. so she has been through quite a transfermation.

[LongShot]

Hello

Most of your distances from the fence look good in most of them but also in a majority of then your leg has come back a slight bit and that might be caused by throwing yourself into 2pt or from you puting your balanced weight in your hands on the horse's withers and not through your leg. Don't grip and let the weigh go to your heels and keep your leg forward. Also you're looking off to your left in most of them, it's just a little peeve of mine but I look forward over my fence so I can concentrate on the straight and out of the line and not at the next jump or off into space.

Your horse seems to be getting to jump good, she looks a little funny over some but it will all streighten out over the course of time till she's comfterable, she'll jump better once she learns her job and also learn you're there to help her with her job. Once you 2 start to trust eachother her jumps will become smoother and more relaxed!

Overall you're looking fine and you 2 look to be having a good time, just remember to keep it fun for the horse so they learn to love jumping not think of it as a unenjoyable time =3

Good luck and Happy riding!

[BeachRiding]

Other than your leg slipping back, you look fine to me!

[Kate F.]

You look a bit too far forward in most of them. The second one is probably the best for overall balance, even though your toe has turned out. Try to think about folding at the hip and sliding your seat back, rather than bending forward over the horse's neck. A lot of people are told to "lean forward" to jump, but it's really more "push your seat back" if you want to stay in good balance.

Your stirrups look a bit long for jumping. I'd try going up at least one hole, possibly 2. This will make your lower leg more stable and help you get up off the horse's back without getting in front of its centre of gravity.

For a western horse, the she's taking to jumping really well - you're doing a great job. Work on your own balance at the same time, and her confidence will grow even faster!

Good luck and have fun!

[roxycutie]

Your leg has slipped back and your toes are sticking out. From the angle of the picture it looks like your leaning on your hands, so you need to bend at the hips and wrap your leg more around your horses body. The saddle looks like it might be to small for you too.

[~teddy~]

hey, it seems from the pictures and everyone's comments have summed up that the lower leg is pushed back, resulting in your shoulder's coming forward. It can be easily fixed though with gridwork and maybe slightly longer stirrup leather's?? But the horse looks great, especially if he/she's just started recently. well done and happy jumping :)

[vimto92]

And dont forget bum back, it looks like your getting slightly over the pommel.

Anyway, great photos, you look a great pair!:D

[Nik-n-Kia]

Ditto above but other than that you seem to be doing fine!!!

Nikki xxxx

[Cabbitt]

My biggest concern with your form is that your toe is so turned out. That implies that you are gripping with the back of the calves, and that you are also turning your knee away from the saddle. That's an unstable way to jump, and probably the root of your other problems (jumping slightly ahead, and not bending from the hips enough). It will also prevent you from wearing spurs, should the need arrise. Try shortening your stirrups about two holes first off, and work on tightening your base of support over calvalletti or small jumps before tackling anything larger. Although it is correct to turn your toe slightly out, twisting your legs out like that compromises your securty and position.

Also, one person mentioned that looking off after a jump is a personal pet peeve, however is you are planing on making a sharp left turn after the jump then it is absolutely correct (vital, even) that you be looking left at your next fence as you jump. The other poster is correct that you should look straight if you don't intend to immediately turn, although the fact that you are doing it consistently in all the pictures gives me the impression that you are riding a course that involves turning, or have a bad habit.

If you realy want a serious critique, though, you should attempt to get pictures from the side instead of the front. Hope this helps!

[ClaireBear_nz]

Everyone else has pretty much said everything about you but...
Your horse is adorable and your jumps are so pretty and white and clean! :D

[PonyGirlAsh]

I definitely agree with everyone else, try shortening those stirrups a bit and your leg will be much better (you'll probably find it easier going as well!). You look really comfortable with him though, and that's awesome!

Loving the horse btw. :)