horse stops at fence. I fall off!

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Peter7917

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I find it hard to stay on when my horse puts in a stop. He doesn't often stop I might add but when he does I am 70% likely to come off.

I think much of it is down to have a weak core and weak tummy muscles. Would this sound realistic?

Anyone recommend any decent exercises, both in saddle and out to help strengthen these areas?
 
Speaking from experience, it's likely to be a combination of a few things: core, seat, folding too early and position of the lower leg. It's really hard to see what's going wrong when it's happening to you, isn't it! Have you had an instructor take a look? That might be the quickest way to fix it.

My mare used to stop all the time and so I rode quite defensively and rarely came off. Now she hardly ever stops and because I'm not expecting it, it's much harder to stay on when she does!
 
It is more likely to be position than core. The movement happens so fast your core alone would not save you - but being in the correct position will. As above - get a couple of lessons to check your position. Perhaps do some work for a really stable lower leg as well? Standing in your stirrups - as in blot upright not in 2 point - at trot is a good one. Might want to start on the lunge though!
 
Yes, a weak core won't help - try a pilates class to give you plenty of suitable exercises. Also keep your body upright as you approach a fence with your weight back and head up. Only fold on take-off. Everyone gets caught out sometimes but if you're coming off nearly every stop, something needs to change. If this will be a change to your established riding style - use an instructor to remind you until it comes naturally.
 
Agree with Anna - my horse was sticky to jump and I rarely fell but once he was going well I frequently fell off if he stopped - usually over tiny jumps because I wasn't concentrating - my horse used to have a good laugh. Id get back on and he would go straight over. Fortunately this was in the days when i used to bounce if I came off
 
An instructor will definitely be helpful.

I think a lot of it stems from your seat - make sure you are sitting properly upright in the saddle (almost feeling like you're leaning back). Only fold over the jump - leaning forward on approach will not only hinder his ability to jump and get his front legs up but also put you in a much more unstable position. Practise over tiny jumps sitting properly upright and then folding only when he jumps. I find practising this with a grid really helpful, so you have to return to the upright position and only fold for the jumps, gradually increasing the jump height.
 
What size are the jumps? For smaller dont fold too much as you will be thrown over the horses shoulder of he does a dirty stop. My old boy was the king of dirty stops!
 
tashcat said:
An instructor will definitely be helpful.

I think a lot of it stems from your seat - make sure you are sitting properly upright in the saddle (almost feeling like you're leaning back). Only fold over the jump - leaning forward on approach will not only hinder his ability to jump and get his front legs up but also put you in a much more unstable position. Practise over tiny jumps sitting properly upright and then folding only when he jumps. I find practising this with a grid really helpful, so you have to return to the upright position and only fold for the jumps, gradually increasing the jump height.
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this^^^^^
if you put your weight forwards too soon, and/or too much you will unbalance the horse and it is more likely to stop. Get some lessons from a good instructor, ask at your local tack shop or livery yard for recommendations.
 
check your stirrups are short enough for jumping, if they're too long your lower leg will be prone to sliding back, especially if you feel insecure and grip with your knees, or when you fold to go over the jump.
 
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