jumping position help

MontyandZoom

MontyandZoom

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 June 2007
Messages
2,478
Visit site
So......I am getting alot more confindent jumping zoom so reckon I need to start working on my position.......it's rubbish! (before I was too terrified to even think!).

I think a big problem I have is with my hands. Zoom has one eye so often zig zags into a jump to look at it. She is also VERY fizzy and fast so I have to hold on to her. I have to have quite short reins and feel like I am hanging on to her over the jump then 'chucking' my hands forward as we land. I am worried that I am pulling on her mouth although it doesn't feel like it. I also don't fold very much but TBH I find it difficult as I am 6ft and she is 14.3.

Anyhoo.......help please!

zoom1.jpg

zoom5.jpg


If you click forward you can see a sequence of me over the jump and see what I mean about chucking my hands.

http://www.ultimateimages.co.uk/cgi-bin/...--%2015-00;i=96

thanks!!!!!
 
I have a post similar in the photo gallery - my position has been confirmed as awful (you look great in comparison!). I'm 5ft 8 on a 15hh and I find it harder to jump him than bigger horses - people have suggested to me to have a more duck bum when jumping, shorten my stirrups and practice jump position in canter round my school as well as canter poles - so perhaps this may help for u too.

Meh as long as we don't fall off we're doing ok haha
 
It's nice to find another 6 footer riding a 'pony'. My boy is a beefy 14.2.

As for position, it looks OK to me, but as I'm a complete novice myself my opinions not worth much.

I must get some picture of me jumping, I suspect they will be cringe worthy
blush.gif
 
I think your photos are great golddustsara! I feel like it all happens so fast that I don't get a chance to go into any sort of position and I still need to work on not looking like I'm sh*tting myself (even if I am!)

NielM - my other one is 17hh! I wouldn't have gone looking for a pony but she just kind of arrived and she is fab although I do get some stick.
 
as you're riding round the school practise your jump position and putting more weight into your heels so you're not relying on your hands for balance. put a coloured hair bobble or piece of tape on your pony's mane where your hands should be when you fold to remind you. Also over a smaller jump a horse doesn't have to stretch as much through his neck so there's no need to 'throw' your contact away over a fence, but she doesn't look uncomfortable in the mouth and neck in your pictures. She's a lovely pony btw
grin.gif
 
Thanks moppet - if only I had a school......or poles.....I'm sure i can improvise. I'm glad you like her, I think she's fab!

4legged furries - her boot did slip which I didn't notice til we got back to the box since she didn't act like it was coming off (monty would throw himself on the floor!). The top photos are from the next sponsored ride when i had invested in some lovely purple tape!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't have gone looking for a pony but she just kind of arrived and she is fab although I do get some stick.


[/ QUOTE ]

I know the feeling.

H was bought by my OH, as she thought she was going to have to retire her mare. The mare recovered and H needed a rider. I'm told I look fine, he doesn't seem to mind and we have become very attached to one another
blush.gif
Oh and he can jump like a jumpy thing wearing a jumper with JUMP written on it, so we have some fun
grin.gif
 
Your saddle is not helping you - get a show jumping saddle - ie - much more forward cut for your knee to move up into position, then shorten your stirrups, then get a jumping girth for your lovely pony ! You will probably need a 18 inch saddle not cos you are large but because you need the room for the backside to be in contact with the horse. There is nothing really wromg with your position. Pony small, saddle small, you - quite tall ! Sorted !
 
Brilliant, thanks. I have never really done any jumping, or anything other than hacking so didn't realise the saddle made that much difference. (ps thanks for being tactful and not mentioning my massive arse!!!
grin.gif
)

She is on loan and it is her owner's saddle - she is 5'2 and only uses her for polo and horseball.
 
My daughter is tall on her pony and her instructor has told her to 'fold' at the hips and put her hands forward (give with your hands) rather than put your whole self forward, as then your weight is over his front end and he has more to lift over the jump.

Does that make sense?

Also as someone else said, a more forward cut saddle and a short stirrup length will help too.
 
Hey :-) I struggle with my jumping position sometimes, and I have found out that it is important to notice when the horse takes off. So I learn't by using a placing pole, easy enough to do, just place a pole one horse stride away (it of cource depends on the size of your horse and it's stride) and normally they correct there striding and you can feel them take off a little more. :)

It is also good to practise your position over a canter pole. Put two jumping wings up (without cups) and a pole on the floor, you can then practise folding over the pole.

I hope this helps and If you need any more help, just ask :-) xx
 
I'm no expert but I'll do my best to give some tips :o :D

It looks as though you lean forward and your legs swing back... you should aim to keep your legs a little further forward and imagine pushing your bottom backwards, rather than thinking of it as leaning forwards

Stirrups up a bit would help too :)

Hands wise... allow them forward gently as she stretches her neck over the fence, rather than throwing away the contact when she takes off...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top