Help! Jump position

russianhorse

russianhorse

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As titles really

How on earth can I get the correct jump fold position? For whatever reason, I ride defensively and almost lock myself into a standing position, although giving with my hands. I've been having lessons upon lessons upon lessons, and yes whilst I'm jumping, I'm not getting that fold from the hips, hover over the saddle position. At 39, am I tooold to get it? Do I need hypnotherapy to erase this habit??? I'm getting increasingly fed up that I can't do it coming into a jump. I'm chuffed to pieces that I'm now competing with little fat pony but want to crack this position although desperately unsure how to 😫

Thanks in advance x
 
Have you tried going right back to basics, with a pole on the ground? You won't feel as though you need a jumping position to negotiate that but if you assume one, you might not feel that you need to ride defensively.
 
Yes, but it still doesn't come natural �� Poles' I'll almost tip forwards - bending at the waist opposed to the hips. But then anything slightly higher I go defensive again. I'm going to try grids maybe? I tried to assume correct position in Trot, but he bounced me off, so think that must have been so wrong too. Why is it so difficult- I can get correct position on the ground, just not in the saddle.
 
In the last couple of strides before a fence do you look at the middle of the top pole or straight ahead?
 
You need to ensure your saddle is not causing a problem with your position and allows you to get your stirrups short enough, your instructor should be able to check this, then spend time in 2 point in canter to strengthen your core, do some exercises to get you moving in and out of jump position so you are flexible enough, then grid work with the jumps set to allow you to soften, relax without needing to be defensive, if your current instructor is not helping you progress then a few sessions with a fresh approach may be useful.

I suspect you are riding too long, if you got bounced off in trot, and that going up several holes will help you become more secure.
 
DabDab said:
In the last couple of strides before a fence do you look at the middle of the top pole or straight ahead?
Click to expand...

I think I look at the top of the pole, if I'm truly honest. Another habit I'm trying to break although getting much better. I look for the next one as I go over or as soon as I land. I hadn't jumped since before I had kids, 15 years ago, so confidence isnt what it was before having them
 
be positive said:
You need to ensure your saddle is not causing a problem with your position and allows you to get your stirrups short enough, your instructor should be able to check this, then spend time in 2 point in canter to strengthen your core, do some exercises to get you moving in and out of jump position so you are flexible enough, then grid work with the jumps set to allow you to soften, relax without needing to be defensive, if your current instructor is not helping you progress then a few sessions with a fresh approach may be useful.

I suspect you are riding too long, if you got bounced off in trot, and that going up several holes will help you become more secure.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Saddle is all okay now - needed a front riser to lift the front a little but checked by both saddler and the instructor. I'll try doing some exercises getting into position then, to strengthen it and I suppose make it second nature �� I truly just don't understand how I can make it so difficult lol. I ride fairly short anyway, but perhaps I'll have to try even shorter ��
 
Light seat work in canter and lots of it - in the arena, out hacking, everywhere you can. Then gridwork, doesn't have to be big, but enough that the horse makes an effort.
 
Been working on this in lessons for ages.

1st thing is a horse you trust not to throw a cheeky stop which is a good reason to ride defensively as jumping the fence alone isn't fun.

2nd - are your feet in the right place in your stirrups. We put stirrup clogs on for a couple of lessons so I could get over the "my foot will get stuck" panic and have enough foot in the stirrup so I could put enough weight on it to be balanced.

3rd is stirrups short enough that you can fold - jump position is like a squat - backside has to go backwards as much as upper body goes forwards so knees will need to be bent.

4th is balance - so light seat work, trot poles in jump position, independent hand etc.

5th is relaxation and contact. If your upper body is relaxed and ready you will fold as much as you need to following the contact. Breathing is necessary!
 
As others have said plenty of practice in two point at the canter and also agree with the grid work so you get a nice rhythm. When you fold don't think of standing in the stirrups, think of folding at the hip, leaning forward and pushing your bum backwards. Your weight should be in your stirrups.
 
Instead of thinking about folding let the horse come up to you. A pole on the ground shouldn’t need a change in position. Look up not at the fence - you look where you’re going.
 
Thank you all so much for your replies. One of the issues about riding defensively is not trusting he'll not stop so I concentrate on keeping him straight and making sure we go over regardless. I will however practise these tips you've given me - maybe I need to think less and breathe more. Thanks again xx
 
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