Stirrup length for jumping

[Gorgeous George]

I am getting that little bit more confident with my jumping

I did some practising over 2ft 3 fences today, but despite having shortened them I kept losing one. So I popped them both up another hole and felt like a jockey, but I didn't lose my stirrup and felt better able to ride George into the fences

My concern is that I jump in a GP saddle with non-existent knee rolls and I'm worried that with shorter stirrups I will fall off easier (trust me it doesn't take much

), or will I be more secure with the shorter stirrups?

I know you need a picture, this was me jumping a few weeks ago:

Stirrups are now up 1 hole from this length, what do you think?

 

[diggerbez]

it shouldn't make you fall off- it should make you more secure

but will feel a bit strange til you get used to it...personally i'd hike them up another hole or two...try doing lots of schooling and hacking to get used to the feeling of having them shorter- it will train your muscles....

 

[Cliqmo]

I think you could go up another couple TBH but its always best to do it in stages

I remember at pony club (*coughs* 15yrs ago) I was told you could get a rough idea of your required jumping length by taking your feet out of the stirrups and shortening the leather until the bottom of the iron is level with your ankle bone. This may now be hopelessly out of date but it has always stood me in good stead

 

[Hedwards]

i havent jumped properly for a long time, but many years ago its all i did (without any fear - when i was a lot younger and it didnt hurt when i fell off!).

It may feel really really short to you to begin with, but if you're not loosing the stirrups a hole shorter i would say, once you're used to the length, you'll feel more secure. maybe every now and again put them up to your new jumping length and practise jumping position - just to get used to it. also remember a hole isnt really that much - just really feels like it!

 

[Madam_max]

They defo need to go up, maybe a couple of holes. Honestly, it's much more secure

 

[hadfos]

I looked at the pics of me from wed showjumping and thought my stirrups looked far to short(in an event saddle

),tbh as long as you dont tip forward until your horse has taken off,no reason why you should fall off

doing x-country i believe you are better to sit back slightly

As long as you feel your lower leg is secure and you are happy with it then keep it!

 

[Gorgeous George]

If it helps this is a side on shot with the stirrups at their previous length (do excuse my complete lack of jumping position!):

 

[MrsMozart]

Try going over a couple of jumps with your stirrups at the current level; then do them again with them a hole shorter, and just keep going 'till either you run out of holes or you find the level that feels good for you

.

 

[hadfos]

Meant to add,i only took mine up 2 holes for showjumping,which didnt feel short,my leg postion was good,i didnt lose stirrups and i could give him a boot when needed without flapping,lol...it was only when i looked at pics i thought they looked too short,will see if i can post a pic...see what you guys think?

 

[teresagarsden]

Hi there again,
I always teach that as a standard rule jumping stirrups is 2 holes higher than normal.
If you have problems with losing one then make sure that comming into the jump u have your weight well down into your heels and your legs forward and tight.
Your position over the jump looks secure so if you are happy with just one 1 hole then stick with what makes you happy.
Good luck but looking good so far.
Teresa

 

[MrsMozart]

H - up two holes from normal length is the norm for jumping, or so I've always been told

. My jumping is so pants, it would be better if I just tied them round my legs instead of having my feet in them

.

 

[teresagarsden]

Lol. Mrs M . ask my mum she says i am pants too>>>>

I always get " What ru kickin his tail!
love you mum
Teresa

 

[hadfos]

Actually i take it back

,they really are not that short....if i went x-country think they would need to be shorter,lol!!!

Apologies on my horses behalf,non horsey other half taking pic,and neddy decided to shut his eyes,lol!!
been good to post it though as it has made me relook at it and realise that they are not as short as i thought!

 

[hadfos]

[ QUOTE ]
H - up two holes from normal length is the norm for jumping, or so I've always been told

. My jumping is so pants, it would be better if I just tied them round my legs instead of having my feet in them

.

[/ QUOTE ]
lol...actually looking again,he he..if i took mine up any more my knees be on his shoulders minus the saddle flap

...i feel safe at this length thow so maybe it is right???

 

[MrsMozart]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
H - up two holes from normal length is the norm for jumping, or so I've always been told

. My jumping is so pants, it would be better if I just tied them round my legs instead of having my feet in them

.

[/ QUOTE ]
lol...actually looking again,he he..if i took mine up any more my knees be on his shoulders minus the saddle flap

...i feel safe at this length thow so maybe it is right???

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd have tried them up one more..., just to test it

. You need to be able to bend ze knees and use them as a spring. Then again, given my jumping, I could be talking wofffleofagus

.

 

[hadfos]

Actually..looking at that pic of me,does it look like i should push my fat ass a little further forward??It is sooo hard as we have been working on our flatwork and he is working beautifully,but i have had to lengthen them to help with position etc,yet when i shorten it seems to shove my butt back,lol...is that the safety mechanism that comes with shorter leathers

 

[squidgy]

Just put them up 1 or 2 holes, then trot and canter around over poles in your jumping position focusing on keeping your position secure and your heels right down. It will loosen up the muscles down the back of your legs.

As long as you keep your heels right down and your lower leg secure at the girth you will be fine!

 

[Tnavas]

[ QUOTE ]
I think you could go up another couple TBH but its always best to do it in stages

I remember at pony club (*coughs* 15yrs ago) I was told you could get a rough idea of your required jumping length by taking your feet out of the stirrups and shortening the leather until the bottom of the iron is level with your ankle bone. This may now be hopelessly out of date but it has always stood me in good stead

[/ QUOTE ]

That's the recommended length for D & C level riders for flatwork - for jumping go up at least two holes from that length.