jumping from trot help.

[blackhut]

I am hoping you guys have some good advice to help me in the above. one of my instuctors is insisting that I jump out of trot to improve my overall position and balance. I am struggling with the rythm of this even over small jumps. I approach the fence in trot (Rising), take sitting a couple of strides out (my instructor insists on staying up and back until the last second), she jumps I end up behind the movement and end up smacking her in the mouth. The more I get it wrong the worse I seem to get, I obviously don't want to keep gobbing her but want to continue the excercise as I appreciate it will improve my position and balance. Any one out there got any tips.

 

[Bettyboo222]

I was taught (at 15) To jump whilst on leadrein, with a headcollar and reins attached to the side of the headcollar. Through this I could work on my position, then add in the control elements

 

[dieseldog]

I would forget doing sitting trot and keep rising - one less thing to think about, it is probably a lot easier to keep rising. What happens when you canter? You could always try trotting and cantering around in the jumping position without any jumps to strengthen your legs and get your balance.

 

[wench]

Perhaps try making jumps tiny bit bigger?

 

[quizzie]

As dieseldog said, practice maintaining your jumping position in trot & canter on the flat to help improve your balance & core strength.

When jumping ,try having a neck strap on, so that you can use this to assist your balance/position , & not catch the horse in the mouth, it will get easier with practice, & this way you can have more confidence while learning how.

 

[blackhut]

thanks for the advice so far, I find that I f I don't take sitting trot on the approach I am far worse so sitting actually makes it easier for me. As for my cantering I jump Ok out of it and find it easy, but my instructor obviously thinks I need the practice. I will keep trying and hopefully I will get the hang

 

[Jennyharvey]

I always teach to jump in the jumping position. This is to keep you balanced, and means you dont have to move much to go over the jump because your hands are already forward, and if you need to, holding the mane or neckstrap.
You should practice trotting round the arena in the two point seat, stirrups short enough to keep you balanced, leaning forward as if you are jumping, hands forward, feet nicely under your weight.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ot...but-gold-proves-elusive-Beijing-Olympics.html
ive put this picture of mary king up because it shows a good position over the jump, but you can also aproach the jump in this position too.
I find that its much easier to learn to jump like this because you dont need to move so much to keep up with the horse, but just have to sit still and balanced in the correct position, without bothering the horse.

 

[Broodle]

Does your instructor put a placing pole in front of the jump? If not, it might be worth asking if she thinks this will help. A placing pole will tell your horse exactly where he needs to take off, and will therefore help you to predict when take off will happen and hopefully mean you are not left behind so much.

Jumping out of trot can often be harder than out of canter because you can't 'see a stride' and can easily get caught out. That said, I think your instructor is right to try to get trot mastered first, and jumping out of canter will probably feel much easier afterwards!

 

[lq22]

Unfortunatley don't have any pics but my instructor taught me to jump in trot before canter too. The best way I can explain it is to have your shoulders back, look ahead, sitting trot, weight in your stirrups as you approach the jump and short reins but with your arms stretched out in front of you (you might find holding onto the mane/neck strap helps). As the horse's body comes up to go over the jump you should find you fold into the proper position.

Hope this helps but it hard to explain!

 

[ecrozier]

Definately what lq22 says. Pop a neck strap on and hold it from about 5 strides out, then you can work on your position without risking pulling on your horse's mouth. I also hate jumping from trot but it's very good for us and I have got a bit better with practice!

 

[huntsman30]

Try to do alot of trotting without saddle with a neck strap then start making it more interesting by going over trotting poles and work your way up to a small fence of about 12 to 18 inches and when you happy with that then replace your saddle,
that is the way i was taught by an old household cavalry man.

 

[jumptoit]

I have one who jumps from trot no matter what, canters in and always trots the last few strides without fail, what I have found is not anticipating the jump and staying more upright and as still as possible but slightly forward has helped. But it depends on how the horse jumps as mine certainly doesn't make a proper shape!

 

[Kallibear]

I always teach my horses to jump from trot to begin with so I get plenty of practise.

Generally most people totally over do the jumping position when jumping little jumps from trot. Unless your horse takes a flyer you should need to do more than let your hands forwards and ligthen your seat. After being used to a big release and forwards position in canter it feels really odd.

Try doing less and NOT counting the strides. Think of nothing more than heels down and when the jump comes, just allow your hands forwards, whilst still thinking about heels down and bum back. Just the act of releasing with your hands will out you into as much of a jumping position as you'll need

 

[blackhut]

I think I might of got somewhere with it last night, Java is a large horse to hold together who is on her forehand naturally. I have to work hard to keep her connected. Her natural working trot is effective and forward going not uphill. when approaching a jump I found that in trot she ends up massively on her forehand and strung out so as she gets to the fence she cannot get her hocks beneath her to jump. I worked on the level of collection with enough impulsion and only put her to a fence when she was collected, she jumped everything with some ease and I stayed with her

I will see what happens over the week and keep you posted.