Lesson reports - pics, falls... arrgh! Two steps forward, but how many back?! *Long!*

Puppy said:
QR - Please, please do as was pointed out to you last time, and put your hair up safely out the way. If when you'd fallen off the horse had trodden on one of them and scalped you, you'd be in far more pain right now!!

Also, I wouldn't be jumping with a schooling whip if I were you :o If you want to carry a whip when jumping then change to a crop so that you don't accidentally catch the horse.

Good luck on feeling better. :)
Click to expand...

i often jump with a schooling whip...not with the 5 year old because i don't carry a whip...but on most other things i'd use a schooling whip over a short whip...that way you can give a small aid than having to take your hand off the rein and whallop the horse! with a long whip you can give a quick/quiet reinforcement to your leg aid? sorry OT but its what my BSJA coach told me to do...
 
Just a couple of helpful pointers.

Put your stirrups up. They are very long for jumping position. You should easily be out of the saddle, whereas you look like you are only just.


Do a lot more parctise just riding around in jumping position. W, t and C. It does concern me that your RS has been letting you jump without having you canter in jumping position first. (you say yesterday was the 1st time?!) You need to be able to do this easily otherwise you will never be balanced over a jump.

I'm sorry they won't let you go XC, but I do think they have made the right decision. Don't worry about falling off!! We all do it!! :)
 
I would agree maybe popping your stirrups up a hole could help.

TBH I think part of the problem is trying too hard to go into a forward seat. Over jumps that size, there is no need to fold way up the horses neck and I think anticipating the jump and trying to fold in time is making you tense (which won't help your sore back!!).

I have actually never had a jumping lesson and I'm pretty ****, so I'm probably not licensed to comment.......but I find that if I get tense and worried about the jump, I freeze and get left behind. However, if I simply concentrate on looking up, keeping my weight in my heels and not interfering with the horse too much, jumping position sort of happens!

I know that sounds ridiculous, but I really think, just not thinking about folding could help. Just sit up, pick a point on the arena fence the other side of the jump to look at, maintain the rythym and RELAX.

This is me not trying jumping position on Zoom:

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5262.htm
 
diggerbez said:
i often jump with a schooling whip...not with the 5 year old because i don't carry a whip...but on most other things i'd use a schooling whip over a short whip...that way you can give a small aid than having to take your hand off the rein and whallop the horse! with a long whip you can give a quick/quiet reinforcement to your leg aid? sorry OT but its what my BSJA coach told me to do...
Click to expand...

But, in the nicest way possible to OP, you are not a novice, who is just learning to jump. :)
 
im gonna say something possibly controversial here -

id change instructors:o

I cant believe people are still being taught to jump, by trotting in over poles to a jump, in a forward jumping position. All this teaches you to do is be infront of the movement, hence, you fell off.

At the height you are jumping you do not need to think about folding! Trust me! What you DO need to do is lots of work at trot and canter with jumping length stirrups, yes in canter in a forward seat, and in trot- try to stand and stay 'rising' for as many steps as you can. Doing these things will serve to strengthen your lower leg. But dont actually come into a fence in forward seat.

A jump position isnt a position as such, but a fluid movement so why RI's still teach a static position is beyond me. As you come into a jump, you should actually be thinking, shoulders back, do not get infront of the movement. As the horse takes off, your increased strengthened lower leg will help you anchor in position (keep those heels down) and just go with the natural movement of the horse, that doesnt mean throwing yourself forward and trying to fold, you will find you do that naturally as the horse jumps anyway,if you think you are going to get left behind, grab mane or neck strap.


you looklike you are doing really really well though, chin up:)
 
NeverSayNever said:
im gonna say something possibly controversial here -

id change instructors:o

I cant believe people are still being taught to jump, by trotting in over poles to a jump, in a forward jumping position. All this teaches you to do is be infront of the movement, hence, you fell off.

At the height you are jumping you do not need to think about folding! Trust me! What you DO need to do is lots of work at trot and canter with jumping length stirrups, yes in canter in a forward seat, and in trot- try to stand and stay 'rising' for as many steps as you can. Doing these things will serve to strengthen your lower leg. But dont actually come into a fence in forward seat.

A jump position isnt a position as such, but a fluid movement so why RI's still teach a static position is beyond me. As you come into a jump, you should actually be thinking, shoulders back, do not get infront of the movement. As the horse takes off, your increased strengthened lower leg will help you anchor in position (keep those heels down) and just go with the natural movement of the horse, that doesnt mean throwing yourself forward and trying to fold, you will find you do that naturally as the horse jumps anyway,if you think you are going to get left behind, grab mane or neck strap.


you looklike you are doing really really well though, chin up:)
Click to expand...

NSN, I totally agree.... From this post and previous ones I would say that the RS have not anchored the basic secure position. More time needs to be spent on exercises to get TG secure in her position. But this seems to be a common trait in RS.
 
galaxy23 said:
NSN, I totally agree.... From this post and previous ones I would say that the RS have not anchored the basic secure position. More time needs to be spent on exercises to get TG secure in her position. But this seems to be a common trait in RS.
Click to expand...

I do tend to agree with this. I am very surprised that the instructor has not made sure that TG is more secure in her seat and relying less on her hands before teaching her to jump.

TG this is meant as no offence to you, I love your enthusiasm and your wish to learn as much as possible BUT, I do think that you need to spend more time on the flat learning a good basic position and developing your seat before you even think about jumping, I also think that your trainer is right not to let you do the XC, you are just not secure enough in the saddle at the moment and it would be a shame to lose the confidence you are slowly gaining.

I do also think that Puppy has a point regarding the schooling whip, you would be much better with an ordinary whip for the time being, a schooling whip is meant to back up the leg aids and in the hands of a novice it is far too easy for the whip to 'wobble' around and inadvertently touch the horse, again I mean no offence.
 
NeverSayNever has exactly explained what I failed to do so in my post above about 'not trying to fold' :D

Ignore my rubbish explaination and read hers!!!!!
 
If you want to work on a secure position a good way to practice in trot is rather then go up, down, up down etc

Go: Up, down, down, up, down, down etc

Once you master this try:

down, up, up, down, up, up etc

The in canter trying sitting for three strides, standing for three strides etc

This will teach you balance and rythem! But don't be put off, you've just improved so quickly in a short amount of time its seems your going back but your not you just had a bad week.

Stay positive and keep trying :)
 
aww i bet you did well really anyway you can go bareback when your feling better :D
also its wednesday today it was tuesday yesterday :p
 
I would suggest that Thelwell Girl listens to her instructor during lessons, and tries to forget all the schooling exercises she's been very thoughtfully given on HHO - not that they're wrong or anything, in fact I'll be trying out a few things next time I jump! - but I imagine it's pretty hard to get over a jump whilst thinking about what your instructor is saying, what posters here have advised, controlling the pony, keeping oneself in the saddle and so on, especially when there is often conflicting information being given. If the riding school are teaching in the 'classic' riding school way (although I too wonder why they didn't have her in jumping position at walk/trot/canter before actually going over fences) that's fine - the fine tuning of position and all that comes later, but if they're doing that and the rider has got 'I need to FOLD and do this with my legs and this with my hands' as if jumping a sizeable jump, it's not as productive. Thelwell Girl, I'd suggest blanking out everything you've been told on here when in lessons and put your trust in your instructor that she knows her job and just do as she suggests - ask if you're not sure, don't think to what a random online person has said instead! You are after all paying for the services of the instructor...

You're doing great though, just relax and stop thinking about it all so much!x
 
Hi T_G!
I have never posted on a thread to you before but I have kind of been following them and its clear to see you are having so much fun learning, I think its fab!
But..
Get your self some private lessons before bad habits are formed(trust me on this one, 10 years down the line when you are entering badminton you will thank me:))
The others are right, you do NOT need to fold yet, it will come naturally as the fences go up.
Right now you need to concentrate on being in balance on your horse.
I find for novices hacking out over all terrain really builds up a natural balance.
Your instructors seem great fun though and this is to be commended, we ride for fun not to feel bad like some may make you feel.

Your back may hurt from straining to be in that 2 point position, mine hurts if my stirrups are not short enough in the 2 point.

I once went through a period on my first pony where my instructor said I was only allowed to fall off once a lesson I had started to be like a bouncy ball coming off and getting back so many times in one lesson! lucky I do seem to bounce thank god!
Even quite recently in my job riding event horses I was asked to take out a HUGE hairy gentle giant in the school to try for a customer, after riding sharp tb's for so long cocky me pushed straight on into canter came around the corner of the school to a jump, giant shyed slightly and I FLEW off to the tears of laughter from my boss:(!
It happens Every one!!!

sorry for the essay, ignore it all and just enjoy yourself! thats what its about!
 
I would suggest what I've said before. Stop jumping every lesson (When I said this last time, you said you jump once a month at most - clearly not) and really work on your position. If your back is anything like mine then not being strong through your core will totally destroy it!

Also put your hair up.

And good luck =] xxxx
 
Dogbetty141 said:
Ha im from Manchester to! Where abouts are you? Sorry to hijack the post im afraid I have no advice as I just dont jump becuase im pants but also because I fall off a lot!
Click to expand...

Haha post hiiijjacckk!!!
I'm in Bolton :D and you??

Just to ask everyone else - I may have got my thoughts muddled up, but I am sure when I was learning to jump, they never asked me to stand out of my stirrups...?? They just taught us to fold...now I can't jump without counting 1-2-3 strides, and forwards OUT of my stirrups on take off - when I watched one of the girls lessons on the yard, she was just told to fold without standing out of the stirrups...I tried it once and it didn't half jarr my back and upper body!! Is it to do with height of the jump/experience?? :confused: my RI (also YO) has never told me to do anything different re my own jumping position :confused:

ETA does anybody get what I mean, haha!! :)
 
KellysHeroes said:
Haha post hiiijjacckk!!!
I'm in Bolton :D and you??

Just to ask everyone else - I may have got my thoughts muddled up, but I am sure when I was learning to jump, they never asked me to stand out of my stirrups...?? They just taught us to fold...now I can't jump without counting 1-2-3 strides, and forwards OUT of my stirrups on take off - when I watched one of the girls lessons on the yard, she was just told to fold without standing out of the stirrups...I tried it once and it didn't half jarr my back and upper body!! Is it to do with height of the jump/experience?? :confused: my RI (also YO) has never told me to do anything different re my own jumping position :confused:

ETA does anybody get what I mean, haha!! :)
Click to expand...

Standing up in your stirrups is an exercise not what you meant to do over the fence. It helps get a secure lower leg position and also helps you to fold over the fence and not throw yourself up the horses neck.
 
If it's your lower back that's hurting it will most likely be because your muscles aren't used to all the work!

My riding is at a pretty similar level to yours - mastered WTC, and was just learning to jump in my weekly lessons when I was offered a loan horse. I went from riding 1 hour a week in a school to longer, more regular hacks across all sorts of terrain. I found my lower back really sore at first, as my muscles weren't strong enough to support me.
 
Maybe I don't do it as much as I think I do :confused: I don't stand up like stand up straight out of the stirrups but I do push my weight into them, I don't keep my seat in the saddle :confused:
 
Hi T_G!
Firstly i think you are looking alot better and more secure in your seat so a big WELL DONE :)
I think that you should be almost forgetting the "fold position" as over fence this high it really makes no difference, i think you should just work on being in balance and in harmony with the horse even if it does not look pretty as you are just learning just now :)
I think you should not put pressure on your self and just relax and have fun :)
but your doing very well :) xxx
 
I was just having a nose at the link that M&Z posted :)

Doubt I'd have stayed if my horse did this;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5277.htm

And this is why most people don't recommend approaching a fence out of the saddle as if unbalanced (unlike this rider) you'll go over the horse's shoulder!v;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5289.htm

I think these girls have guts lol;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5310.htm http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5311.htm

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5410.htm

Eek;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5532.htm

Best horse of the day;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5349.htm


Aww I want some pics done now so I can crit my position lol :D
 
diggerbez - Eep, manky black hip!!
Thats what my Dad said, using muscles I hadn't used in a long time! I am disappointed about the XC, but I'm going to be a fence judge instead :D

Naturally - Thank you, I know I'll get there one day!! Hehe, I must be alright if they want me to groom for them I spose![/QUOTE]

trakehnersrock! - I will definitely try that!

Puppy - :eek: I'll pin them up under my hat! Also, is it really that bad to jump with a schooling whip? Once I start jumping courses, I know it could get in the way, but I love riding with a long whip now, I can actually refine my aids without pausing, holding reins, smack on bum etc...
 
diggerbez - I do use one for all my riding simply because I do ride the lazy ones (in Bonnie's case the vicious ones! :p) and for me, giving a small, quick aid when I need it is fine. Also, the length seems to be quite good, as the whip kinda rests on the outside of my thigh and only 'comes into action' when I want it to.

galaxy23 - I am always fiddling away/adjusting my stirrups, I will keep that in mind! I do see what you mean, but I only really started jumping occasionally in my group lesson, so never really got around to it... I did feel very secure while doing it though, and was riding what was (for me) quite a fast horse!

MontyandZoom - Zoomy is gorgeous!! I do see what you mean about the folding, I was worrying about it and so fell off, when I didnt 'think' about it it just flowed...

NeverSayNever - Going into the jump in 2 point was actually trotting over poles in that position! I wasnt taught/told to go into the jump like that, in fact my instructor told me to just concentrate on my approach, get a nice forward canter, good legs and then she would say 'fold!' when I should. I do agree about the 'staying rising' bit, I try and do some of this in all my lessons, and while I do find it hard, I know it will help me (its fun too!)


SirenaXVI -I do understand where you are coming from, but dont really know how to respond! I wanted to advance my skills while still having fun, and jumping has really helped me, with my confidence as well as becoming more used to working at slightly faster paces... Another benefit, for me, is that it is a private lesson, and I get tuition on the flat, while I warm up, as well.

NeverSayNever said:
PS: get yourself a body protector
Click to expand...

Am going to try on some Racesafes and other ones at a good tack shop on Friday!

Kokopelli said:
If you want to work on a secure position a good way to practice in trot is rather then go up, down, up down etc

Go: Up, down, down, up, down, down etc

Once you master this try:

down, up, up, down, up, up etc

The in canter trying sitting for three strides, standing for three strides etc

This will teach you balance and rythem! But don't be put off, you've just improved so quickly in a short amount of time its seems your going back but your not you just had a bad week.

Stay positive and keep trying :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the tips, I'm going to put that into practice on Sunday! Hehe, my weak core muscles def need improving! :o

wilsha said:
aww i bet you did well really anyway you can go bareback when your feling better :D
also its wednesday today it was tuesday yesterday :p
Click to expand...

Urrgh, I would not have wanted to be watching myself! I rode so "meh ", felt like I let the horses down! Heyy, I'm out of school now, I hardly know what month it is, let alone what day!

AprilBlossom - I kinda see what you mean... I was getting worried, trying to think of all these things, legs, angle, folding, going forward etc I was forgetting to actually ride the jump properly! I do really value the contributions, help and advice I get from the HHO-ers, I am from a 100% NON-horsey family, theres not many more people I can ask apart from the people at the yard!

sam1am - These jumping pics are all from private lessons! We dont jump that much, )once every weeks or so), in my group, so while I had some money I took the opportunity. I wish I could hack over varied terrain - 'cept we have no hacking whatsoever! Well, we have the fields...!
I really do love my instructors, they are so encouraging and make working hard fun! I apologise if I have a grumpy face on when I ride, cos I really am having the time of my life!! :D

flamehead - I jumped twice this month simply because I had some money and bought myself a couple of private lessons, in addition to the hour that my parents kindly pay for. I really dont jump a lot! And I will try to remember to put my hair up.

galaxy23 said:
Standing up in your stirrups is an exercise not what you meant to do over the fence. It helps get a secure lower leg position and also helps you to fold over the fence and not throw yourself up the horses neck.
Click to expand...

I practise this every lesson! Its getting easier... :o

alcraw said:
If it's your lower back that's hurting it will most likely be because your muscles aren't used to all the work!

My riding is at a pretty similar level to yours - mastered WTC, and was just learning to jump in my weekly lessons when I was offered a loan horse. I went from riding 1 hour a week in a school to longer, more regular hacks across all sorts of terrain. I found my lower back really sore at first, as my muscles weren't strong enough to support me.
Click to expand...

Aw, congrats on the loan! Pics? :) Regular riding has benefited me (soooper muscley legs!) but also made me suffer (core muscles and my poor back!).

Quadro said:
Hi T_G!
Firstly i think you are looking alot better and more secure in your seat so a big WELL DONE :)
I think that you should be almost forgetting the "fold position" as over fence this high it really makes no difference, i think you should just work on being in balance and in harmony with the horse even if it does not look pretty as you are just learning just now :)
I think you should not put pressure on your self and just relax and have fun :)
but your doing very well :) xxx
Click to expand...
I am def trying to do that, I get myself worked up trying to remember everything, then forget it all as I go into the fence! Hehe, thank you! My riding doesnt often look particularly pretty :o


Thank you all for your help and advice! :)
 
LaurenM said:
I was just having a nose at the link that M&Z posted :)

Doubt I'd have stayed if my horse did this;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5277.htm

And this is why most people don't recommend approaching a fence out of the saddle as if unbalanced (unlike this rider) you'll go over the horse's shoulder!v;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5289.htm

I think these girls have guts lol;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5310.htm http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5311.htm

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5410.htm

Eek;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5532.htm

Best horse of the day;

http://www.evespics.co.uk/2010 events/Stratfield Saye sponsered ride 18.7.10/HTML/img_5349.htm


Aww I want some pics done now so I can crit my position lol :D
Click to expand...

FAB pics!
 
Hey TG, nothing of help to add, but just wanted to say I admire the enthusiasm and hard work you are putting in. I didn't start riding until I was 16 and used to look at all the 7 year olds zipping about, jumping and competing! I do think it can be harder in some ways when you are a little older and wiser.

I have no doubt that you will continue to improve at the remarkable rate you have been demonstrating, you are obviously dedicated and always willing to take on board other peoples comments which is not always common with teenagers! I find your attitude really refreshing x
 
[QUOTEI do really value the contributions, help and advice I get from the HHO-ers, I am from a 100% NON-horsey family, theres not many more people I can ask apart from the people at the yard!
[/QUOTE]

I also am from a 100% non horsey family (stuck my dad up on my old cob once and took him for a walk, he said he's glad he never tried it earlier in life as it was 'a bit good' but thats as far as it goes, my mum doesn't like dirt...lol) so I know where you're coming from!

The only thing I meant was just to really get the most out of your lesson, just concentrate on what your instructor is telling you to do, and ASK anything you want to know, or discuss that you've heard on here. Don't just let it all swill around in your head, as you'll be trying to do things that probably contradict each other and not only will your mind hurt, you could end up hurting your self (ie jarring back etc)!
This forum is great, but in the same way as it wouldn't work if everyone had the same view, you'll find trying to listen and put into action everyone's views (youre pretty popular on here so you get a fair few!) will hamper your riding progress I think.
Just devote yourself entirely to your instructor in lessons...Then tell us all about them on here!x
 
Oh bless you and your flying pigtails! However they are a little on the dangerous side and you should tie them up when riding.

I do think that although you have made good progress but your flat work needs more establishing before you should be going over a jump - at the moment you are not nearly secure enough in the saddle and tend to use your hands to balance, your body is also stiff and this is why you have probably hurt your back, although obviously the fall did not help.

You would be much better having one to one lunge lessons than jumping at the moment but well done for the progress you have made - oh and ditch the schooling whip!
 
roo2012 said:
Hey TG, nothing of help to add, but just wanted to say I admire the enthusiasm and hard work you are putting in. I didn't start riding until I was 16 and used to look at all the 7 year olds zipping about, jumping and competing! I do think it can be harder in some ways when you are a little older and wiser.

I have no doubt that you will continue to improve at the remarkable rate you have been demonstrating, you are obviously dedicated and always willing to take on board other peoples comments which is not always common with teenagers! I find your attitude really refreshing x
Click to expand...

Its nice to know not everyone started riding at 2! I do look at the younger ones and feel a bit jealous, but just remind myself that I ride for MY benefit not for anyone else! Hehe, thankyou :D

AprilBlossom said:
I also am from a 100% non horsey family (stuck my dad up on my old cob once and took him for a walk, he said he's glad he never tried it earlier in life as it was 'a bit good' but thats as far as it goes, my mum doesn't like dirt...lol) so I know where you're coming from!

The only thing I meant was just to really get the most out of your lesson, just concentrate on what your instructor is telling you to do, and ASK anything you want to know, or discuss that you've heard on here. Don't just let it all swill around in your head, as you'll be trying to do things that probably contradict each other and not only will your mind hurt, you could end up hurting your self (ie jarring back etc)!
This forum is great, but in the same way as it wouldn't work if everyone had the same view, you'll find trying to listen and put into action everyone's views (youre pretty popular on here so you get a fair few!) will hamper your riding progress I think.
Just devote yourself entirely to your instructor in lessons...Then tell us all about them on here!x
Click to expand...

I do ask my instructor loads of questions (constantly!). I will keep the updates coming!

ChristmasAngel said:
Oh bless you and your flying pigtails! However they are a little on the dangerous side and you should tie them up when riding.

I do think that although you have made good progress but your flat work needs more establishing before you should be going over a jump - at the moment you are not nearly secure enough in the saddle and tend to use your hands to balance, your body is also stiff and this is why you have probably hurt your back, although obviously the fall did not help.

You would be much better having one to one lunge lessons than jumping at the moment but well done for the progress you have made - oh and ditch the schooling whip!
Click to expand...

I will tie them up in future, what is the best way?

I'm going to book another lunge lesson soon, as well as being helpful, my instructor is really good at them and I enjoy them!
 
you're really looking good TG....hang in there, and it'll all sort itself out. I always tell myself that falling off makes me a better rider :D !!! sm x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top