Didn't know this about the Crest Release

[wanabe]

I just discovered something about the term "crest release" that was a surprize to me. As a beginning jumper, I thought the term was a generic one for ALL releases but I now realize (correct me if not true) that this term applies only to releases where the hands are placed on the crest, or where mane is held. Also, that George Morriss popularized this release as something to be used by beginners; that before that, the "jumping in hand" release was the norm.

[Miki]

I didn't know that. I also didn't know about a crest release until I started jumping high enough to need a release at all, at camp. Now, because I get nervous, I put my fingers in the martingale.

[crazychick1989]

i dont know whether this is true but i got shouted at once for jumping in a martingale were they right?

[Iron Maiden]

Depends on the martingale. I don't like to see horses jumping in standing martingales if they interfere with the movement.

One showjumper RI tried to teach me crest release. Too late! I'm too set in my ways, I release so my elbows, hands & the horse's mouth are in straight line. I found that when i tried the crest release I tended to push my weight too far forwards & get in front of the movement, which isn't a good technique at all for xc, although it might work better for showjumpers.

[eml]

I origionally was taught jumping with crest release..it is as it says ...hands move up the crest to allow horse freedom. My very correct then trainer made sure I didn't hold the mane by hogging my first pony

I no longer think it is a good way unless you really are tacking something like puissance as you surrender control over the jump until post landing.

[laura jeanne]

Isn't the point of the crest release that you are guaranteed not to pull the horse's mouth? If you are leaning forward a little and resting your hands on the crest, you are less likely to lose your balance and use the reins to help balance and also you are sure the horse has enough rein to stretch out over the jump.

Once the rider has a secure jumping position, GM recommends the automatic release - so not touching the horse at all.

[wanabe]

How a Good Idea Gets Fossilized

Yes, he did, but apparently some didn't get the message.

[Maggles4Lyf]

quick question..
which am i doing in these pictures? they both look different
lol i was concentrating more on staying on than anything else coz i havnt jumped in ages haha! but so yer what am i doing in which pic?
ps soz bout the last pic, my RI walked into the pic lol! and the others are a bit blurry soz

[katefarmer]

I'd say in the first two you've dropped the contact, and in the third, you've followed the movement. It is a crest release or dropping the contact? That is the question!!

Crest release may be OK for the first couple of times you jump - but it's a very bad habit to get into, and very difficult to break later. I started off learning with crest release in the 60s - and I pretty much stuck with it for a couple of decades of mostly fun riding, riding out etc. etc. When I came back to competitive jumping in the 90s, I was in real trouble. The courses had become more technically difficult, and horses were needing more help and confidence from the rider. Dropping the contact was a big no-no.

Today when teaching people to jump I spend more time on poles and cavaletti, and the little crosspoles etc. that don't really need much release at all - and encourage them to work on the "feel" and letting their hands go with the horse's head without dropping the contact. Then as the fences get a bit bigger, they are already able to follow the movement.

The other big problem with crest release (apart from "dropping the horse in a hole") is that it encourages the rider to lean forward rather than folding, and that throws weight onto the forehand and makes it harder for the horse to lift. It won't matter much for small fences - but will make a difference as they get bigger and more complicated - but by then it's much harder for the rider to adapt.

[Nimbus65]

Adding a disclaimer before I comment: I don't jump . . . haven't in over a year . . . so take what follows with a grain of salt

OK - here goes.

Surely, an effective, following hand on the flat and a secure, balanced position over poles will mean that the "crest release" isn't necessary over jumps as the rider will be not resting on the horse's neck (or relying on it for balance) and will be riding with independent seat, legs and hands resulting in the same consistent contact achieved on the flat?

I agree with some others here that crest release must mean that there's an element of dropping the horse to some degree and could interfere with the necessary contact for a good approach to the next fence (even scarier when jumping a combination!).

Just seems common sense to me. And (IMHO) points up the necessity of teaching the basics properly on the flat and not progressing to jumping until the rider can maintain his or her own balance w/out interfering too much w/ the horse . . .

This is one of the reasons I haven't jumped for a while . . . I felt I was interfering with the horse too much b/c I wasn't balanced/secure enough and that it was a wasted exercise until I sorted myself out on the flat and over poles. The other (bigger) reason is that I'm actually a big, fat chicken over fences

N

[aussieannie]

Originally Posted by wanabe

I just discovered something about the term "crest release" that was a surprize to me. As a beginning jumper, I thought the term was a generic one for ALL releases but I now realize (correct me if not true) that this term applies only to releases where the hands are placed on the crest, or where mane is held. Also, that George Morriss popularized this release as something to be used by beginners; that before that, the "jumping in hand" release was the norm.

A crest release comes naturally if the lower leg is stable and balanced. Use a neck strap and the mane until the lower legs is firm. There are some very good exercises for this if you are interested.

[Maggles4Lyf]

Originally Posted by aussieannie

There are some very good exercises for this if you are interested.

ohh yess please very interested