Jumping position

[Zobaby]

when i jump, i tend not to do the tradition jumping position - bum back, fold, hands up the neck and standing up slightly.
i just sit forward a bit - my hands stay where they are normally and i sit up quite a lot! is this really wrong? i feel safe, but should i try to fold more? any tips for doing this?
some pics -

(this one's really bad - 1st time i jumped 4ft!)

 

[lifeslemons]

No-one else has answered post, so I will give it a go

The most important thing to realise, in my opinion, is that it is not of the upmost importance whether you have the 'traditional' jumping seat. Sure it should be stylish, but everyone, depending on their education, (eg the hunting field,) experiences and body type (eg tall or short,) develop slightly differing positions. Look at some of the best eventers... Ginny Elliott, Lucinda Green, Toddy. Completely different styles, but just as brilliant and effective as one another.

So here are some pointers:
-Balance. In the first picture you are slightly ahead of the movement. This is a problem I encounter myself, which is often worsened if I am unsure of the stride (I panick and 'throw' myself at the fence.) In training, try and use some placing poles before the fence so the stride comes more naturally and you are at the right position to the fence, as this will give you the opportunity to practise 'going' with the horse.

-Position. You appear to be straight and have effective shoulders and look up with you heard, which is great, but you want to try and fold more from the waist. Ideally you want to keep your back flatter and get your upper body closer towards the neck, (within reason!)

Try also to run your hands up the neck as you fold, (although they are good in the second pic,) while keeping your knuckles in contact with the horse, as this will prevent your hands from being restrictive and encourage the horse to bascule. This will help you naturally fold from the waist, too.

You could perhaps put your stirrups up a couple of holes, as this will only further enhance your security, balance and position. You don't want to have to be reaching for the treds.

It is hard to comment from just two photos, but I hope I am making some sense. If you are to take any advice at all, it would be to get a good trainer, (if you don't have one already.) Try the BE Accredited Trainers list, which can be found on their website.

You've got a lovely horse who looks happy and confident with masses of scope, and good luck!

 

[crackon]

if it works for you and your horse, i say dont change it...how you look is unimportant if your horse goes well for you...if you start to make too much effort to get your position better, then you'll have too much on your mind...keep things simple and go with the flow!

 

[saskia295]

I think you'd be right to follow lifeslemons advice re position and getting a trainer. I cannot emphasis enough the importance of giving with the hands. If you 'fix' your hands at the horses' withers, not only will be getting jabbed in the mouth but he will find it harder to bascule. Looks like a lovely scopey horse so good luck!

 

[little_pink_piggies]

What a sweety of a pony

and looks like he can really jump!

All I could really say (and who am I to talk! My position is really awful

) about your position is that it looks a little on the defensive side... Try just giving your hands forward along him neck as he jumps, but be careful that you dont just throw them down and that they are following the top of the neck (but equally not miles above!) This should also encourage your horse to bascule more as he becomes more confident in his own ability (when a rider is not being defensive then they tend to enjoy a bit more and it becomes less like hard work!) Make sure when you do put your hands forward that your lower leg stays nice and forward (as it is in the pics), otherwise you just end up throwing yourself forwards and this has the opposite effect on the horses jumping!

You should find that hands forward and lower leg forward that the fold comes naturally in personal experience!

Just passing on what i have drilled into me regularly! But really, you both look super

good luck with him

 

[Zobaby]

thanks for all the advice and nice comments