Improving Jumping Position - Help!!

[Navalgem]

I have one photo (now over 2 years old) with my legs almost straight (but behind girth) and I was lying almost on my horses neck and my hands had hardly moved up her neck. I only began riding again about december after a year out with my preg and birth then subjected my mare to the same lol!). I've shortened my stirrups and worked on not lying on her neck and moving my hands up. A recent pic now has my leg running almost along my girth although I'm now a good few inches above her neck and my hands have moved up which is a vast improvement. But my lower leg is awful, have I now shortened my stirrups too much? Why is my lower leg in such a bad position and how do I get it back?!

 

[Zebedee]

Hard to tell without at least seeing a picture. I think though what is probably happening is that you are pivoting on your knee because your upper body is tipping too far forward. Try thinking of the upper body fold as happening because you push your bottom back, rather than tipping your shoulders forward. Make sure that you are keeping your weight in your heels as well -allowing your toes to drop will also lead to your lower leg being too far back. Your stirrup length could be a contribuory factor, but again without seeing hard to tell.

 

[khan]

Its all about your balance really, try and do lots of trot and canter work out of the saddle in your jump position and you will start to feel your balance improve, think of the centre of gravity in your body and work from that.

its all about balance balance balance, the only difference between jumping a tiny crosspole and a massive oxer, is that you stay in position for longer - it doesn't have to change.

One of the biggest faults with jumping positions is that people try too hard and over compensate - just relax

hope this helps x

 

[LEC]

For a lesson I was made to stand up in my stirrups for 1/2 an hour in walk, trot and canter trying to get my balance. Was not allowed to lean on horse or reins and it is very difficult but after a while you ankles drop, you leg becomes stiller and you get a good balance.

 

[Navalgem]

Cheers guys, much appreciated

 

[morgan4eva]

I wish I could keep my lower leg where the girth is - mine is always drifting towards the tail!!