How to sit massive jumps?

Ranyhyn

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My horse is a star. He jumps everything I ask him to, but as we've only been in partnership for two months, I'm at a bit of a loss with jumping him.

He jumps huge over fences,and I keep having to hail a cab over 2ft6 fences(much to the amusement of me and everyone else)!! I am left totally behind and although its funny and I have stayed on, I need to learn how to sit him properly lest I start putting him off!!!!

Any advice on how to get used to him and/or also ways of getting him to jump a tad more economically over things?
 
Well today was our first time, I think I was getting it towards the end, but on the off times, oh boy, it was off!

He's a hunterby trade and I think he thinks he has to go as high and as long as possible lol!
 
I can't offer any advice at all even though i have the same problem (thats when we actual manage to get OVER the jump).
Misty's back end is so bloody powerful she propels me forward and i have to re-compose myself and shove myself up ready for the next one! (Look at the pic in my sig ;o)
It definately isn't graceful, but we always go clear :L

It feels better when we're jumping more often though. And i find we both improve when its a regular thing.

Maybe the more he gets used to it, the more he'll realise he doesn't have to jump quite so big to stil get over the jump.
 
You could try holding on to the mane in front of you, that will help you get the feel for his jump and not be left behind; when airborne - think 'duck's bottom' about your position and look far in front of you not on the floor.
With time and practice he will learn more economical jump and with consistent rhythm etc will take of a bit deeper, making the jump more pleasant.
 
Is he young? Badger used to do that a lot when he was a baby, my mum found it highly amusing!!!
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Not sure what to advise really, just keep at it I guess. You'll find it easier with time, just make sure you let your rains slip and I don't think he'll get put off.
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LOL he's 12! 13 this year
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I definitely always let me reins go, because thats my worst nightmare! Im hoping as we do more I'll get to judge him better and be in tune with him more.

Doesn't help I'm jumping in a dressage saddle
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I think practice is in order
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Could you do some gridwork with him, so that you know exactly when he is going to take off? Also helps to stop them ballooning as gives more to think about.

Stick your bottom out, your lower leg forward (this is your seatbelt!) & as SB says just slip the reins. You'll soon get your balance, you just need to get used to him.
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LOL he's 12! 13 this year
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I definitely always let me reins go, because thats my worst nightmare! Im hoping as we do more I'll get to judge him better and be in tune with him more.

Doesn't help I'm jumping in a dressage saddle
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Theres your answer. Nightmare trying to sit big jumps in a straight cut saddle. Cant get your stirrups short enough and no support! You could get a nice loose neck strap to hold on to. Make sure its big enough that you dont need to reach half way up the neck
 
I have this issue with my Henry - he jumps 3' fences like they're 4* xc jumps! Once, I did a 3'3" wall in a competition, he jumped HUGE, and when I landed I looked at the photographer and said "God, I bet my face was a picture! to which he replied "Darling, I wouldn't worry, you jumped so high your face wasn't in the frame!"... Anyway I digress...

What I suggest is this (given you say this was your first time jumping!!). Make sure your stirrups are nice and short - you'll find it easier to hold your centre of gravity higher and off your horses back and absorb the bounce better.
Try and release your hands forwards on take off and focus on thinking forward and up.

Give it some time, keep practising and if you're still having issues, then maybe try an instructor. I also find loose jumping quite useful for allowing your horse that exuberance!
 
Horses jump big for various reasons. Green/spooky horses do it because they are a bit frightened of the jump and don't want to risk touching it at all! Some horses do it because they dangle their front legs, so have to jump higher to clear the jump.

If the horse is green or spooky then lots of work over ground poles and small jumps with different fillers etc will make them more confident and therefore more economical in their jumping. If they have dangly front legs then grid work will help - but you really need a good instructor to help you with this.

To sit a big jump you need security in your seat, but still need to allow with your hands and go with the horse. Think heels down, bottom back over the saddle, but fold at the hips and push your hands forward. If you throw your whole body (including the hips) forward you are likely to come off and if you get behind the movement/don't allow with your hands then you may restrict the horse and start him refusing.

Oh, and a neckstrap is often a good idea with a horse like this!
 
New saddle just been ordered!
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I have excellent stickablility - just no style!!

Thanks everyone, will try some grids and I am joining RC so will get a lot out of that
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LOL you guys, the problem is I keep using profanities when I get it wrong and there are kids is the vacinity lol I think I need to gag myself too!!

MM, I like the use of colourful language there - I can fully condone this!! xxx
 
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