milo'n'molly
Well-Known Member
Please don't default to the position in the photo on your old mare. It's not the best shot, since she's obviously left very long, and there are lots of things to like about the photos (your hands for one!) but you are actually behind the motion there, not balanced over your leg (lots of very good riders push their lower leg a bit forward as they fold in their xc seat and bring the hips back, but in those cases the lower leg is vertical or just behind and their body is balanced over it, they haven't been left with their leg out in front). In that pic you can see that seconds later you will actually be sitting on her back at the apex of the jump. If you look to "get a bit left" on your current horse, I can guarantee he won't take it well!
Work on your position. It's all very well to say other people don't or you haven't had to before but you've bought a very smart horse that's bred to jump well and you have to accommodate him, not expect him to lessen himself for you. I know that's not what people want to hear but this is the danger of buying performance bred horses, they will do what they are bred to do! And, alas, many will not take infinite pains while you learn so you have to learn FAST or risk getting hurt or diminishing the horse.
I'm sure you can get it done, you've worked on a lot of things up to this point and you're keen to make a change. (Perhaps keener than you were a few days ago. . . ) It can be done but it takes discipline and application, there is not magic one thing anyone can tell you. Find out what changes you need to make to your position - you've been give good advice but I still suggest you need to speak to your trainer about it and, if he/she is not that interested in teaching position (some very good people are not) ask for a referral to supplement your lessons. Perhaps also look into someone like John Pitts who does the riding fitness programs, or similar.
Sorry you're hurting. Rest up, take your meds, and then onward and upward.
I feel your pain (perhaps not physically) I have a 17hh bay mare with similar breeding also by indoctro. I wanted a really smart allrounder and she's fab, she hacks, does sponsored rides, is really brave, does dressage and her temprament is fantastic as she's responsive sharp not crazy sharp and she's a lovely "person". What is disappointing is I can't do jumping with her, it was never my main aim but I've been jumped off twice and come close on other occasions so its just not worth it for me but I have an otherwise fab horse bred to jump that is just too much for me.
If jumping is what you want to do then stick at it, improve your position and if possible get some schoolmaster lessons