Jumping advice

[Horsesxox]

Hi! Was hoping to get some advice on jumping as I’m only 14yo and jumping 70cm. Pony club camp is quickly approaching and I would like to be jumping 90cm before it. I have quite a strong, forward pony but she always get really close to the jump then goes straight up in the air. Just wanted to know if anyone had any advice for jumping higher, stopping the “cat jumps” or just general advice that could aid my jumping ?x

 

[DreamTime22]

It probably needs someone knowledgable on the ground to really help and the pony club instructors will help massively. Don't worry about the height too much, when the way of going is right then it won't really matter (to the pony - does to me as a nervy rider) if it's 70, 80 or 90. I'm currently trying to work my way up too, but I find it isn't clear cut as in I jump 70 now. I tend to do lots of exercises at a small height (50cm/60cm) then just do some bigger things towards the end, especially if I want to work on the technique.
Maybe try some jump exercises from a trot and aim for a smoother jump. Also some exercises with placing poles may help.
To help your jumping I would watch lots of people doing it. There are some good masterclass things on youtube, various vloggers and lots of catch up from professional competitions. Just listening to what they say and watching lots of different people really helps.

 

[Horsesxox]

It probably needs someone knowledgable on the ground to really help and the pony club instructors will help massively. Don't worry about the height too much, when the way of going is right then it won't really matter (to the pony - does to me as a nervy rider) if it's 70, 80 or 90. I'm currently trying to work my way up too, but I find it isn't clear cut as in I jump 70 now. I tend to do lots of exercises at a small height (50cm/60cm) then just do some bigger things towards the end, especially if I want to work on the technique.
Maybe try some jump exercises from a trot and aim for a smoother jump. Also some exercises with placing poles may help.
To help your jumping I would watch lots of people doing it. There are some good masterclass things on youtube, various vloggers and lots of catch up from professional competitions. Just listening to what they say and watching lots of different people really helps.

 

[Horsesxox]

Ok thanks! I am also only jumping 50-60cm at the moment as that is my usual competition height but thought I could do with a better/bigger jump before camp ?x

 

[Red-1]

I would have a few lessons with a decent trainer. In your situation, I would probably go for some grids, taken from trot, so once you are in the grid, the fence distances looks after itself. That way, you could have the confidence boost of some bigger fences without having to worry about distances (as I would have sorted that aspect for you).

Other than that, some canter poles set at the correct distance would also help you to improve the canter. It would also be good to have random poles to canter over in the school, making sure you are always straight over them, in the middle of the pole, and that the rhythm stays the same.

 

[Shay]

Some ponies jump like that because of thier conformation. I have an excellent PC cob (now retired) who always jumped like that. He took DD to PC Nat Champs 4 times and then took his sharers there every year (each year a different sharer - he was largely taken becuase he could get to Nat Champs) for probably 4 or 5 more. Dressage, SJ and eventing. If your mare jumps like this becuase that is how she is built then you only need to learn to ride it! If she needs more technique then PC Camp is just the palce to get it! You'll have a wonderful time.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I had a friend with a really chunky cob. His style of jumping was 'different' to say the least. He looked as though he lifted off the ground all four feet at the same time legs tucked up, then somehow went forward then let everything down the other side. It was definitely three separate movements, looked most unseating but he would tackle just about anything. She adored him.

 

[Foxychops]

Jumping upwards instead of up and forwards could be a sign that your possibly holding back on approach and haven't got that forward jumping canter? I agree with the others perhaps a lesson or two will give you the confidence to progress. Good luck