Novicey jumping question

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Sarah1

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Hi all

Just a quick question really - when jumping how do you know when to lean forwards to give with the reins a bit?
I haven't done much jumping and often find myself a bit left behind or up over his shoulders before he's really taken off. I know I probably ought to get myself on video but its hard as don't usually have anyone on foot.
So I was wondering if anyone has any tips for being able to 'go' with the horse a bit more. I find I feel a bit better over the bigger (not big in grand scheme of things but big to me!) stuff.

Thanks
 
You might find it helpful to count strides going into jumps- once you've mastered the 3, 2, 1, JUMP! then you'll definitely know when to go! It is important to go with the horse, to avoid jabbing him in the mouth.

You could try canter poles- he will have to elevate slightly going over them- to practice your jumping position. Even just 3 or 4 in a row, bending over each one. You could leave them as single stride, or a few between. Whatever works best for you :)

Eventually it will come naturally to you.
 
I'd get some jumping lessons with a good instructor.. You can learn a lot from one good jumping lesson. The instructor will be able to help you with counting strides etc.. And that will help you 'go with' the horse rather than in front of or behind him :D

Polework is also a good suggestion!
 
use the advice above, especially canter poles as they really help!!

the most important thing is to let your horse take himself and you over the jump. Getting left behind or being too forward is usually due to the rider interfering too much and trying to predict the best stride etc (horse usually knows best!). Sit back, relax, ride the canter poles, use your legs as a tube and keep a contact and just let your horse jump. Keep the jumps small so that it doesnt matter too much if you dont get it wrong and in time you will get it right :)

good luck!! and always invest in a good friend to come and help you - bribe them with chocolate!!!
 
Thanks for replying everyone one - your suggestions are all very helpful thank you.
We have limited facilities so may not be able to practice with canter poles but will try to concentrate on doing a few smaller logs etc out hacking & just sit & let him sort it out and try to get a feel for things that way.
 
Tie a knot in your reins, that way you can relax your hands if you get left behind, the reins will slide through your hands but stop at the knot so you can gather them up quickly without losing control but not jab him in the mouth.

I find getting the kids to come in with their shoulder slightly forward over little jumps stops them getting too badly left behind. Once you are not getting left because you are already a little forward, you can start feeling what the horse is doing and you will soon pick it up.

Be careful with this, not too far forward, especially if horse is small compared to your weight as it will put him on his front end and if you are heavy, he is small and the fences big, he may stop, over small fences on a good weight horse ratio, it works well IME.

With my youngster who used to massively over jump I found tucking 1 finger through a neck strap helped, though clearly not strong enough to actually stop me getting left behind it worked anyway, must be akin to the tipping slightly forward thing!
 
The best way to be in the right place is to develop your jumping position over poles on the ground.

The basic Novice Jumping position is
Shorten your stirrups a hole or two - this places your thigh more ahead of your body, making your position more secure. Your feet will need to go forward a little more so that you can just see the tips of your toes.

Fold your body forward from the Hips, keeping your back straight until you form a verticle line Shoulder, Knee, Toe. Your butt will need to move slightly back in the saddle. Keep your head up and eyes looking straight ahead. You will now find that you need your reins a little shorter.

This position now has you in a stable basic jumping position - your seat is very light in the saddle - there is no need to deliberately lift your body off the saddle.

A neck strap fitted firmly halfway up the horses neck gives you something to reach for.

Practise this position in trot and canter either just going around or over poles on the ground. You wil find it may make your back uncomfortable as you use different muscles so practise for short periods, have a break and practise some more.

You should notice that as the horse trots over the poles he will stretch his head and neck forward and down - this helps you practise the follow through that you will do when jumping.

Introduce small jumps and approach the jump in your jumping position, just sit quiet and still keeping the horse forward and straight and allow the horse to jump.
 
Hello there

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but i would think that its a little unsafe to be alone when jumping - and if someone is around set your phone up and ask them to use it (if its on your yard and you know them )- i am sure they will help.

Re Canter poles - whats best way to measure the distance and how is best to place them ??

Good luck x
 
Poppys Nannan said:
Hello there

I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but i would think that its a little unsafe to be alone when jumping - and if someone is around set your phone up and ask them to use it (if its on your yard and you know them )- i am sure they will help.

Re Canter poles - whats best way to measure the distance and how is best to place them ??

Good luck x
Click to expand...

I usually set poles 9' apart as they can then be used to walk, trot or canter over. Place on the inside track so that you can still use your outside track.

Definately safer to have someone with you when you are jumping.
 
Thanks for your replies everyone, you've been really really helpful! :)
I don't usually jump on my own these days but the people accompanying me are usually on horse back too as due to a lack of facilities we jump logs etc out hacking as we don't have an arena.
We do have a small water schooling complex and there are a few poles & wings down there too so I will perhaps try with them and use all of your suggestions, thanks again :)
 
Spotsrock said:
I find getting the kids to come in with their shoulder slightly forward over little jumps stops them getting too badly left behind. Once you are not getting left because you are already a little forward, you can start feeling what the horse is doing and you will soon pick it up.

Be careful with this, not too far forward, especially if horse is small compared to your weight as it will put him on his front end and if you are heavy, he is small and the fences big, he may stop, over small fences on a good weight horse ratio, it works well IME.

With my youngster who used to massively over jump I found tucking 1 finger through a neck strap helped, though clearly not strong enough to actually stop me getting left behind it worked anyway, must be akin to the tipping slightly forward thing!
Click to expand...

All of this helped me, I was told to stick my bum out a little bit so my position was ever so slightly forward.
 
I would suggest jumping in lessons if you are a bit novicey jumping. It will really help you to have exercises set up and someone experienced watching you.

Grid work is great for your position, it sets the horse up nicely and you can concentrate on your position.

Also grab a handful of mane part way up the neck, it will help you follow the movement and stop you jabbing your horse in the mouth.

I wouldn't try to count yourself in at this stage, let your horse worry about doing the jumping and concentrate on getting him straight and forward before the fence then just staying with him over the fence.
 
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