how to teach myself to give with hands

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horseandshoes77

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Short story I don't give enough with my hands over the jump, although I never feel im catching her in the mouth I still don't think im giving her enough rein over jumps to encourage her to use herself properly how can I change this?

long story for anyone interested, bought a very ewe necked horse who like to do a giraffe impression, after a year of schooling hacking etc and working with a fab trainer I have finally made progress, we started jumping small but she never used herself properly she would fly into jumps fast and be flat and strong, anyhow my trainer jumped her and said the jumps were too small(but im a bit nervous jumping so 75-85 my max comfort zone) so he jumped her over 110 and she was fab, slowed down made a nce shape etc, he however does ride a lot better than me and has way more confidence, anyway we did our first riding club comp(85cm) and she was brilliant she didn't rush or pull and we had 8 faults in second round but she went lovely but I just cant seem to shake the thought that shes not pulling and still keep tight hold of her and don't give enough over the jump! Also although she went better than she ever has she still didn't make a nice shape over jumps, I think its me not giving enough rein and also her canter rhythm that she jumps nicely from always seems to be too fast for me so we have been working on me not slowing down her canter too much(altho I still do it) so how do I train myself out of this habbit ?

thanks for any one who replies

and I do have a video but not sure im ready to share it on here lol my position and nerves are terrible at min !

also in CR
 
If you can, jump with no reins. Another trick is chalk on the mane where your hands should be, everytime you jump just concentrate on getting chalk on your hands. Neckstrap will help too, not only to physically help, but if you mentally know its there you might focus less on holding the horse. Can you get your trainer to put coloured tape on your reins where you should be holding them too? Practice your jumping position on the flat too, with a few canter poles about, & get in to position & give with the hands as per a fence over each. And, whether hacking, jumping, or schooling, practice giving & re-taking the rein in canter. Not necessarily dropping it, just a few inches will do. It should build your confidence in trusting your ability to let her go a bit.
 
Depending on your own jumping position, you can either focus on pushing your hands forward or down to ' give' more over fence. So pushing hands along mane towards ears. I prefer pushing down shoulder as if following neckstrap towards chest.
I am also striving to improve my riding to help not hinder my forward but talented new pony. I tend to shorten and creep up the reins approaching fences!
On lessons I have found having fake course laid out really helpful. Poles on ground in place of jumps. Easier to concentrate on keeping rhythm and correct position. Counting strides between ' fences'
 
Auslander on here did an interesting thread a while back called something like "the lost art of following through with our hands" or something, have a look at that...
 
Thanks guys

I don't feel like im jabbing her but I do think im not releasing enough as im hindering her neck movement!

I have been trying to post vids in comp riders but no luck (I cant seem to put the right link)

I think im just defensive because for instance poles on ground she races at I could never use no reins id be dead :)

she doesn't respect showjumps and especially if they are under 80cm so tends to rush at them fast and flat, however I have tried to bite the bullet and be brave and jump 85-90 with her and yes she has slowed down a lot but still doesn't make a nice shape !

So im thinking its me and the way my position and hands are etc

will try and find the thread mentioned also thanks
 
You can rest your hands on her neck to do a full or half release, just press them softly on each side and you can also use that to help balance yourself over the jump (you might not need it anymore when core strength and confidence are really good)).

I am not an expert by any means but that's how my RI taught me and I now feel very secure over small jumps.

First work on your 2 points position, you don't need to be jumping, just practice at walk, trot and canter to get your legs stronger. The bum is just an inch (if that) out of the saddle but above where you would seat, not forwards, heels down with all the weight in your legs, you can hollow your back a bit to have your upper body a bit forward and keep your bum where it should. Then practice resting the hands on the neck while jumping until you don't need it. If you rest them mid-way on the neck that should give a big release.

I like to read George Morris' jumping clinic where he comments on a jumping picture (you can find much more of them by googling, those are just a few):

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/english/hunter_jumper/jumping_clinic_classics_081110/

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/english/hunter_jumper/jumping_clinic_classics_091310/

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/english/hunter_jumper/jumping-clinic-classics-from-george-morris-and-practical-horseman-magazine-a-tight-effective-rider/

If she goes flat, may be some ground poles before the jump would help getting a good stride for the jump.
 
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