How to give with hands without ... *pics

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pixiebee

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throwing the reins at the horse or dropping the horse into the jump at the last minute? I have worked hard on getting my position right. I have a horrible habit of standing and tipping forward and resting my hands on the horses shoulders/neck rather than folding and giving the reins. Anyway, I seem to have got the folding better but looking at the pics, I dont seem to be giving enough with my hands. How do you give with the reins without dropping the contact? I know that sounds a silly question but my horse whizzes into the jumps throwing his head around as he wants me to let go of the reins so he can go faster- I try to sit quietly and sit deep and try not to use my hands to hold him too much. Pics below, critisism welcome.
Appologies for the millions of pics - I just want to get myself right to give my horse the best chance of nice jumping, which is thoroughly enjoys it seems!!!!

Pic of my position a month ago:

j1-1.jpg


and lots from yesterday:

j4-2.png


1.jpg


5.jpg


536033_10150987711506745_1721935839_n.jpg


Heading towards the jump!!!!!

j1-2.jpg
 
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You look great, look like you're supporting yourself a lot more and not relying on the horse to lean on! Looking fab! :)

Ps. Can I steal your horsey? :D
 
Looking loads better! I'd say that as long as you don't rest your hands on his neck then they'll naturally allow as much as they need to, far better IMO than throwing the rein at him & unbalancing him.
 
Nice beastie;). Your hands are fine in the air, but you could drop them lower on our approach to the fence. Re the balance on landing your lower leg needs to be more on the horses side. Hope this helps, watch some vids on you tube of Jeroen Dubbeldam. ;):p
 
There is a huge improvement and you are doing really well.

I think position is sometimes a mindset, if I teach somebody who appears to be relying on their hands for balance I ask them to think about pushing their bottom back in the saddle to get the fold in the hips, rather than dropping the upper body forward. This would also help you to keep your hands independent.
 
the watcher said:
There is a huge improvement and you are doing really well.

I think position is sometimes a mindset, if I teach somebody who appears to be relying on their hands for balance I ask them to think about pushing their bottom back in the saddle to get the fold in the hips, rather than dropping the upper body forward. This would also help you to keep your hands independent.
Click to expand...

thanks for that, had never thaught of it like that, I laways had folding my top half in my head but will try the pushing bum back thaughts.lol!!
 
I find the "pushing the bum back" thought really helpful as well. It helps keep your lower leg still as well. You'll also find that as your bum slides back you naturally release your hands forward, then on landing your legs are in the right place to absorb the impact so you don't crumple onto your hands or the horses neck
 
Looks like a big improvement already, and your horse is gorgeous...I want him :(
I'm another fan of the 'push your bum back' quote, I find if I focus on what my bum's doing I stop fussing with my hands too much! ;)
 
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