Jump position

[mollywestern]

Due to a lack of confidence before I wouldn't always go into my jump position when jumping I would just have a mental block. I'm staring to gradually get better but still cant seem to quite get my jump position as I want it to be.

Does anyone have any tips?

This is a photo of me jumping about 2weeks ago.

 

[Jenni_]

First of all, ditch the country boots. Seriously. They will be doing nothing to help your balance and security and its almost impossible to give proper aids or ride properly in them. Plus, they offer no protection to the leg/ ankle should anything happen.

You also need to learn to give with your hands and allow them to go forward with the horses neck.

Lots of work in the two point / jumping position on the flat and over poled to help get that lower leg secure and help you with your balance, and when you have that and don't rely on the reins for balance you can work on giving with your hands over fences. Start with very small fences to help you develop your feel and timing for the jump sequence, and gradually build up- the horses movement over a fence gets more bold and the horse becomes harder to 'go with' the higher the fences go, so building up in important.

 

[Leviticus]

The first thing, if I was instructing you, would be teaching you to release, and give you your hands. That looks a fairly substantial bit - though I can't quite make out what - is he strong going into fences, because this is something else to work on. Until you're jumping from a controlled, steady rhythm, you can't maintain a consistent position.

Also, ditch the boots, accident waiting to happen.

 

[mollywestern]

Thanks for the help will have to try it!

Ordered new boots waiting for them to come back

He's currently ridden in a pelham which suits him well he can still be strong and when hyper can tank off after the jump but I do have reasonable control.

 

[MandyMoo]

agree with others - lots of work on the flat, working in two point, and working on your core muscles will all help towards improving your balance/stability...and then that will come through in your position.

do you currently have any lessons with a good instructor? if not, I'd advise that, as its always great to have someone on the ground to help

 

[KatB]

Think of riding with "frog legs" and get your knee off the saddle and weight into your irons. This will make your lower leg wrap around the horse, and stop it rotating. You can then think of putting your bum back in the saddle, and folding from the hips so releasing with your hand, and will stay in balance more easily.