Mike007
Well-Known Member
or just bad luck and inevitable. Constructive criticism and a certain amount of sniggering permited. http://www.ultimate-images.co.uk/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&viewGallery=16876#image=707387
I couldnt do it either , but I am concerned that the rider in question gets jocked off the saddle by the unexpected. It doesnt happen often as the horse is brilliant(but quirky) and the rider is pretty agile. But it happens enough to make me wonder about possibly shorter stirrups and a bit more of a defensive seat. Hence I am seeking peoples thoughts.
Mike, I have to ask, what's your connection to the rider in the pics? And do they know you've made this post?! Because unless you're paying them to ride that horse, or they've said they don't mind this being discussed on here, I think it's a bit 'off' to be asking people to criticise them and give them advice!
For me, there are a couple of things I would look at. The horse gets his back end a little high jumping in so it is harder for him to keep his balance. If you look at the pictures of Wiggy's horse, he makes quite a good job of actually jumping, he just didn't keep his legs straight to land or try to stay upright. This horse is coming down steeper and, with the drag of the water, overbalances but he tries really hard to stay upright and does a good job.
For the rider, I would take a look at the saddle as she has her bum too far forward and a bit out of the saddle so she pivots round her knee. When the horse jolts as he goes down there is nothing to stop her falling forward. If she could keep her bum a bit further back and lower then the centre of gravity would be better and she might be able to keep her knee more relaxed and softer to absorb the movement and the lower leg would stay more forward. This would be a stronger position but I'm not sure the saddle lets her do it.
Thanks,(and also thanks to everyone else.).I did wonder whether the stirrup length was too long to alow her to get further back.Certainly too,slipping the reins is an issue. He is a big horse and there is a lot of rein to let out very quickly .