How to jump down a bank correctly

Twylight

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Confused rider in need of help please! How do I position myself to jump down a bank correctly? Nothing big, approx 60 - 80 cms. I often get bumped by the saddle and almost fall off. I'm not sure if I should keep my seat in the saddle or stand in my stirrups... And how to correctly position my body. Thanks!
 
I'm sure someone better than me will be along in a sec but I've been taught to sit back and keep arse in saddle, keep lower leg stable and give with your hands / let the horse take them forward so you don't sock the horse in the mouth (some people will loosen their reins a bit). How dramatic this has to be would depend on how dramatic your horse is likely to be. Mine has the potential to launch even if it's only a small drop but he can also step down sensibly in walk if I insist. (Would recommend starting in walk to minimise launching and to help get your position sorted)
 
Lean back, like others have said. I think it's something you get the hang of over time, I know my first few (several, lol) banks were messy. I've not done one in a while, so probably would be messy again!
 
You're aiming to stay upright while the horse goes down hill under you. You want to stay in balance with him and make sure you give with your hands/ slip the reins if necessary. A neck strap is a handy way to prevent socking the horse in the mouth when going up or down hills and steps. Too many people rely on the reins to balance.
 
That height, I wouldn't lean back, which means you don't need to slip the reins. They will really just step off that, and you staying soft and balanced will be much better. I'd be bum in the saddle, lower leg forward and remain upright and strong through the core. You should be able to follow the horses mouth still.
 
Leg secure and forward, bum in saddle, core engaged.
Hands soft, prepared to slip the reins if required.

An excuse to post a picture of my much adored mare demonstrating!

16997899_10155066090772162_858163534478595952_n.jpg
 
Leg secure and forward, bum in saddle, core engaged.
Hands soft, prepared to slip the reins if required.

An excuse to post a picture of my much adored mare demonstrating!

16997899_10155066090772162_858163534478595952_n.jpg

Good picture showing how the horse should drop off banks, rider is in a secure position ready to pick up and ride towards the next fence and obviously trusts the mare, ideally they lower themselves and let the front end almost get to the ground before the hind quarters follow depending on the height, less of a leap more of a downward step, if they launch it can be unseating and it is worth training them to drop with less enthusiasm and more control, going up requires far more energy to be used than coming down.
 
Nice picture above! I would add that if you are going to use a neckstrap, a martingale/breastplate attaching to the D rings (as in the picture) is better and more stable.
 
Drops/jumping off banks benefit from a bit of versatility at times haha.

Lots of factors can influence how you ride off a bank and therefore the most ideal position at the time, for example style of the horse, experience of the horse, height of drop and whether there are further elements to jump directly after.

Momentum is key really, you don't want to be landing in a heap. Have the horse approaching confidently but with the hindend engaged and light on the forehand. Try not to think of jumping downwards but rather forward and outwards. There's nothing wrong with letting the horse lower its head for a look but sit up and keep thinking forward and really try to keep that momentum going for a smoother landing.

As for upper body position, for lower drops you can lean forward, sit upright or lean back slightly, whatever you are comfortable with. You really only need to start leaning back when the drops are considerable enough that you need to counteract the impact of landing.

For smaller drops I tend to lean forward and give the head so I don't need to faff about gathering my knitting but one thing is for sure and that is my lower leg is solid and secure, this is where your stability lies. If your lower leg is locked on you shouldn't encounter much issue.
 
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