Slowly but surely getting back into jumping, but need some advice..

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Thelwell_Girl

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Evening all :)

Sorry I haven't been posting lesson reports :o But I am very pleased to say I have finished my AS level exams now, so a lot of pressure is off.

On Sunday, I got a text saying we were going to be jumping in the lesson - my heart completely dropped. Last time I jumped was in August, during Pony Week, and it was a tiny clear round on my beloved Bonnie (who thankfully didn't step on me when I managed to fall off and land in front of her).

My confidence has been improving a lot with flatwork, getting to work in a more advanced group has really helped. I'm starting to get the hang of walk-canter transitions - something I thought would take a lot longer to 'get', and am really enjoying being challenged - though my back is not!

I still have a hang up with jumping. I forget to fold, or I get scared and freeze up - thankfully Dawi was a star and looked after me very well, but I know it isn't fair of me to rely on him so much.

I think my worries stem partly from not being too secure in my seat - what are some good exercises I can do in my flatwork lessons to help improve my jumping position, as well as my seat, to make myself feel more secure?

In addition, I will be getting some much needed private lessons in a few weeks, and will also be attending the jump clinic at the yard - I will crack this!

Thankyou as always,

TG x
 
T_G your back :D!!!!!!!
Sounds like its going well with the new group, did you do a report on your first lesson with them or did I just miss it?
I would say dont worry about the folding bit as at the height you were jumping in the last lot of photos you really dont need to just get your bum out the saddle and give with your hands, it is hard to get in to a proper jumping position over small jumps as you dont have any time in the air. Try doing some more work in a 2 point position, you can do it in all paces.
I hope we get some pictures and videos of your lessons soon especally the jumping clinic!!
 
Working on your jumping position on the flatwork is a great way to start... by just trotting and moving up into the half seat/jumping seat and lengthening the amount of time you spend each turn in the jumping seat! Also trotting poles in the jumping seat before you start is useful :)

Also try thinking of your 5 steps for jumping:
Approach- good active trot/canter and straight into your jump
Take-off- sometimes if you start with your hands higher on the horses neck it helps with getting to know where to put your hands and doing different exercises with your hands i.e. shortening/touching the horses ears when your moving your hands helps.
Moment of suspension- LEG ON, you have to support your horse throughout the jump so heels down and leg firm to help your horse over the jump
Landing- don't bring your hands back too fast as you don't want to give your horse a big tug in the mouth
Getaway- STRAIGHT and ready for your next jump

Keep calm and you'll get there, different flatwork exercises will help but you need to push yourself, even if starting small- it doesn't matter about the size of the jump and don't worry as your horse will know what your feeling and get worried himself (this happened in a lesson the other night after a friend quickly dismounted her horse after a jump!)

Most important HAVE FUN- jumping is exciting, especially when you and your horse are having a super time :D
 
blood_magik said:
I used to have to spend absolutely ages cantering in light seat :(
it killed my legs but helped my jp :)
Click to expand...

Fab :)

dafthoss said:
T_G your back :D!!!!!!!
Sounds like its going well with the new group, did you do a report on your first lesson with them or did I just miss it?
I would say dont worry about the folding bit as at the height you were jumping in the last lot of photos you really dont need to just get your bum out the saddle and give with your hands, it is hard to get in to a proper jumping position over small jumps as you dont have any time in the air. Try doing some more work in a 2 point position, you can do it in all paces.
I hope we get some pictures and videos of your lessons soon especally the jumping clinic!!
Click to expand...

:D Hello!

No, I haven't written up a lesson report yet for the jumping, but I can do so tomorrow - waiting for a certain someone's train to get in, and I have nowt else to do all day apart from clean, so it'll be welcome respite.

I am jumping a bit higher now, around the 2' mark, so I really do need to fold... But it will all come with hard work and practice I hope!

Thankfully the instructor teaching the jump clinic I would go to is also my normal instructor, and she taught me in my private jump lessons last summer - she is well used to me pestering her for pictures and videos :D

Naomi Hawthorne said:
Working on your jumping position on the flatwork is a great way to start... by just trotting and moving up into the half seat/jumping seat and lengthening the amount of time you spend each turn in the jumping seat! Also trotting poles in the jumping seat before you start is useful :)

Also try thinking of your 5 steps for jumping:
Approach- good active trot/canter and straight into your jump
Take-off- sometimes if you start with your hands higher on the horses neck it helps with getting to know where to put your hands and doing different exercises with your hands i.e. shortening/touching the horses ears when your moving your hands helps.
Moment of suspension- LEG ON, you have to support your horse throughout the jump so heels down and leg firm to help your horse over the jump
Landing- don't bring your hands back too fast as you don't want to give your horse a big tug in the mouth
Getaway- STRAIGHT and ready for your next jump

Keep calm and you'll get there, different flatwork exercises will help but you need to push yourself, even if starting small- it doesn't matter about the size of the jump and don't worry as your horse will know what your feeling and get worried himself (this happened in a lesson the other night after a friend quickly dismounted her horse after a jump!)

Most important HAVE FUN- jumping is exciting, especially when you and your horse are having a super time :D
Click to expand...

Fantastic advice - thankyou!

I really did miss it, as scared as I am of it. But the horse was good, and looked after me well - I'd never jumped him before, so was extra nervous :o But he was fab :)
 
Good luck! :D

I think I've probably said it before but lunge lessons are fabulous! If you have the opportunity to have one, go for it! :D
 
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