jumping position cc - lanky peeps on small horses

[MontyandZoom]

I have never had a jumping lesson (in fact I have had very few lessons in anything!

) I had arranged some but have now lost Monty's sharer so money will be tight for a while. (starting to butter up OH for lessons!)

Anyhoo - help please! I know that I have to give with my hands more, but everything happens so fast. I don't feel like I hang off her mouth though and try and go with her head. When I try and give with my hands more I end up chucking the rein away and then losing her after the jump.

Also, I am nearly 6ft and she is just under 15hh. I feel like a don't fold enough but any further forward and I'm over her ears!

But I'm worried I am behind the movement. Anyone tall with a short pone who'd like to share thier tips?!

Sunday:
2nd attempt
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/ShelleyCooperEvents/photo?photo_id=1911468975&vendor_id=3009043

1st attempt - she backed right off and put in a wierd jump so I did get a bit left behing. Thought I should put it in for comparison
http://www.photoboxgallery.com/ShelleyCooperEvents/photo?photo_id=1911468686&vendor_id=3009043

muffins for those who can help

ETS - I know I'm rubbish so not too harsh please!

 

[TS_]

I have the same problem, I'm 5ft7 (so not quite as tall but am long in the body) but my pony is only 14.2. I think folding to much might change her centre of gravity and make it harder for her as most of the weight would be near the front. So I don't to fold massively (is that a word?)
To me you don't look to bad at all! Like I've said I think sitting up a little, rather than folding right down, is probably better for balance.
Sorry if that wasn't helpful but I'm not sure what to suggest as to me you look fine. I don't think you look like you're hanging off her mouth either and by the look of the picture you're jumping in an open space so you don't want to throw your hands at her anyway.

 

[golddustsara]

I'm 5ft 8 and very tall in the body riding a 15hh connie so i sympathise! I was told to fold with my bum back more instead of standing up in the stirrups and to touch my elbows together on my ribs/upper tummy when I'm jumping... That way you give with the reins without throwing away the contact. Hope that made sense!

 

[CrazyMare]

I am5ft7, long legged and my girl is 13.1h.

Its all about staying in balance, and soft in the hand. Do LOTS of work with short stirrups without jumping, holding a half seat, standing up straight in the stirrups etc, to make sure your lower leg is supporting and stable. Try not to grip on with your knees.

Apologies for the poor quality

 

[MontyandZoom]

That is what I want to look like when I jump! Your position is fab!!! Now I really will have to stop blaming my position on the fact that she is little

 

[SpruceRI]

I think your stirrups could do with being a hole shorter.

Also, I find having a flat seated saddle (close contact jumping for instance) is better as you can slide your bum back and fold at the waist easier and then still only be over the horses' withers and lower neck, rather than tipping over the front.

Don't be afraid to fold properly. I think you look fine on your horse.

I'm 5ft 8" on a 14.3hh and a 14.1hh

 

[CrazyMare]

As said, the right saddle can help - I have a close contact Barnsby jumping saddle. Yes it cost a fortune, but when we do lots of jumping & hunting its fantastic and very easy to balance lightly in.

Also - try and get some grid work lessons, and try doing small (less than 2ft, even less than 18") bounce grids without reins. Really helps you stop relying on your hands.

 

[lauraandjack]

I'd second the slightly shorter stirrups - you look as if you are folding at the waist nicely but your stirrups are too long to let you come out of the saddle at all, so your lower leg slips back a bit.

I am 5'11" and have a 15.3, so I know how you feel! Have spent my whole life riding ponies that are too small (and am now incapable of riding in dressage-length stirrups, even on giant horses!)