How do I stop myself standing up too much when going over the jump?

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mystiandsunny

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Looking at photos from yesterday, I seem to stand up and lean forward when going over jumps, leading to me being rather far out of the saddle. Looking at other people's photos, I think I need to sink down more and stick my backside further back. I think the standing up is making me turn my toes out as well and grip inwards to keep my balance. Any exercises to help with this or things I can remember?
 
Pics are pro ones - long winded way of getting there but...
www.catchitquick.co.uk
'view your photos'
'Patchetts 4th May'
In the drop down box '2-Novice'
Then page ten, it's the chestnut right at the top with a sheepskin saddle-shaped numnah.

Shorter stirrups could be a good point though - need to punch some more holes in my leathers!!
 
I sturggled with that when i started jumping a youngster who overjumped everything, I tried to take off as well!

What helped me the most is make sure you're looking up and dont look down, as your head will tip you forward if its not kept up. Sounds simple but really does help!
 
Just had a quick look at your piccies.
I am no expert but I think instead of thinking about standing up you need to think more about folding forwards. Try these tips :-
1) Shorten you stirrups a few holes
2) When jumping let the horse come up to you rather then you going down to the horse
3) Also you could try pushing your bottom towards the back of the saddle

Hope these help.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just had a quick look at your piccies.
I am no expert but I think instead of thinking about standing up you need to think more about folding forwards. Try these tips :-
1) Shorten you stirrups a few holes <font color="red"> will do </font>
2) When jumping let the horse come up to you rather then you going down to the horse <font color="red"> I am trying to do this but maybe with shorter stirrups I'll be more successful! Prob better if I learned not to look down on the approach too!</font>
3) Also you could try pushing your bottom towards the back of the saddle <font color="red"> Thanks, will try
smile.gif
</font>

Hope these help.

[/ QUOTE ]
 
TBH i dont think your body needs to be that much further forward, as long as your hands are soft and you can give with your arms, to many people over fold ! There is no need, and totally without being rude or meaning to offend - at the height you are jumping. Shorten your stirrups, drop your heels, tuck in your toes.
I think you have a good secure seat that just needs minor adjustments.
Good Luck !
S
 
Agree with sarahs, see too many people throw themselves up the horses neck when jumping and it seems so silly esp when the jumps are 2'3" - 2'6". I was taught that at that sort of height just to sit up and go with the horse, just make sure your relaxed and as above have soft hands. It works for me. You dont really need to be folding or going forward that much until your at much greater heights.
 
Thanks all - those pics are of what I do automatically (usually too scared to think consciously of what I'm doing as the horse jumps at a show!). I think it looks horrendous and fairly insecure to be that far out of the saddle! I am hoping to get my confidence back (lost it on a different horse) and to jump her higher by the end of this year.

So consensus so far is - shorter stirrups so not 'reaching' to go forward, think of pushing backside back so more balanced and lower in the saddle, toes in, and don't worry about going forward too much 'cause jumps only small atm?

Would I practise all that over a grid or bounces?
 
It might also be your saddle. I used to jump in a GP that was a bit VSD and stood up in my stirrups and got left behind a lot. Can't really see yours in the pictures, but I tried a Wintec jumping saddle and it worked wonders! You do feel much more secure in a properly balanced saddle - sorry not a criticism, yours might be fine. Shorter stirrups also helps.

I've also found that thinking of pushing my hands sort of forward and up his neck naturally makes me fold and push my bum back. May be a bit exaggerated for the height you (and I!) jump, but it might get you into the idea.

The only other thing I'd say is that worrying about how others do it isn't necessarily a sound concern
laugh.gif


But thinking about it is easier said than done!!
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I do this as well, stemming from my pony days!! now i am back on a pony I am worse than I ever was!! I just remind myself all the time and practice at home a lot to fold properly, think I am getting a bit better but getting someone to video you helps also!!
 
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