Jumping position

[horsegirl]

I need some suggestions here as I can't seem to get this right. If I wait until the horse has taken off I get left behind but If I try to fold earlier the horse is likely to stop and then I fall off. WE are only jumping 2ft 6 ish but the only times I have fallen off in the last 2 years are when jumping so it makes me nervous.

 

[BeckyD]

It could be that you just *feel* like you're getting left behind because it feels so different? When my jumping position went through a good spell a few years ago and my trainer kept saying it was perfect, I felt like I was getting left behind as I was no longer hurling myself into the air (but apparently I wasn't). Sadly I can't seem to recreate it at the moment! Can you get someone with a very critical eye to watch? Be brave and try all sorts of things - even sitting up for the whole jump. At 2 foot 6 it won't do you/horse any harm but will give you a new repertoire of feelings.

 

[RedVendetta]

For 2'6 - correct me if Im wrong experts - but you dont need to be in a completely folded jumping position, just make sure you give with your hands over a fence. And the less you worry about it the more natural it will become! Hope this helps

 

[Mbronze]

Have you tried counting yourself in, as in 3,2,1 jump.

When you can see a stride it is so much easier to anticipate when to fold.

 

[DidiR]

also perhaps your horse doesn't always jump consistently? If he is sometimes catjumping, or sometimes taking a flyer, it is hard for you to learn a consistent feel... try a placing pole 9ish ft in front of the fence, to control his jump, while you work on your position, and also a grid of 3-4 low jumps if you can.