Being unseated whilst jumping

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Sprat

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I took Sprat to his first party of 2016 at the weekend, just did a 75 - 85cm sj class.

However when he is out at comps he tends to over jump a bit (I know this will improve with more outings and is probably more of a confidence thing) but does anyone have any advice on how to sit to this?

I have watched a few videos of me jumping at home and at competitions - at home I can sit up and back and wait for the jump but when it comes to comps my mind seems to freeze and I ride around like a numpty and in a very forward seat.

Consequently, when he does over jump and flick his back end up, I get thrown onto his neck (which ended up in a black eye and a nose bleed!)

Aside from me calming myself down before going into the ring, does anyone have any exercises that I can try to keep my head in the game and keep me sitting back a bit more?
 
In the longer term, the way to avoid this is core strength and balance. You can try building those up - things like pilates etc. help with that.

In terms of short-term solution, think about moving your shoulders back on the approach to the fence and trying to keep your hands soft. Keep looking up, we all want to watch the fence go underneath us but it's a bad habit :) There's nothing wrong with a forward seat as long as you're in balance.
I also employ my sister to tell me not to ride like an idiot when I'm going into the ring - literally, she just shouts that across the arena and it makes me laugh, and therefore less tense :D
 
smja said:
In the longer term, the way to avoid this is core strength and balance. You can try building those up - things like pilates etc. help with that.

In terms of short-term solution, think about moving your shoulders back on the approach to the fence and trying to keep your hands soft. Keep looking up, we all want to watch the fence go underneath us but it's a bad habit :) There's nothing wrong with a forward seat as long as you're in balance.
I also employ my sister to tell me not to ride like an idiot when I'm going into the ring - literally, she just shouts that across the arena and it makes me laugh, and therefore less tense :D
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Ooh ok, I am re starting Yoga again this week so hopefully that will help.

I have plenty of friends who would be happy to shout at me as I go into the ring :lol:
 
What saddle are you jumping in? In my experience, GP type saddles cause me all manner of issues when jumping. I have since switched to a jump saddle and whacked my stirrups up considerably and now feel much more secure.
 
I agree with shorten stirrups

Also your probably folding too much, over 75& 85 you barely need to fold at all so focus on staying totally straight & just let the horses jump put you in a position, keep your hands lovely & soft & if needed let the horse take the rein forward.
Also pop yourself a neck strap on for safety :)

Get someone to video & shout at you when training as you will think your not folding but probably still are quite a lot
 
I'm currently jumping in a GP with stirrups fairly short, though I could try and pop them up another hole or two and see how I get on. The plan is to replace my GP with a jump eventually but think hubby may leave me if I tell him I'm buying another new saddle :lol:

Yes I do think I am folding too much, I'll try and not to fold next time I jump and see how that goes.

There is more sj on this weekend but if the weather is as naff as expected I won't be going!

Thanks for all of your help :)
 
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