Stupid question re: using legs when jumping

[Dobby]

At the risk of sounding stupid...

I had a riding lesson today and it just got me thinking - most instructors I've had and on every horse, riding school or not, I've always been told to keep on with the legs constantly on the approach to a jump. That's fine - but on several occasions and with my old horse, the canter has felt good, the horse is alert and there's plenty of impulsion, so why then must I constantly have the leg on? I can understand why on a horse that's reluctant/lazy/refuses, but on horses that know the job why is it they always seem to want the leg on when everything is fine anyway? Do any showjumpers here occupy themselves with constantly going on with the leg when you know your horse will go over it?

I'm only thinking more about it today because the instructor wasn't happy unless she could visibly see me kicking and so it was throwing me out of balance, making my position **** and the whole thing go to pot.

Probably sounds really novicey...sorry!

 

[ThePony]

I keep my leg 'there' rather than 'on' - if that makes any sense at all?!! Even when she is going forwards nicely, just there to give confidence and ensure that we continue to go forwards even if there are any second thoughts on her part (spooky filler, shadows etc!). If my leg is already there then I am sending her forwards, and if she seems to be thinking twice about it then I can easily and quickly use my leg more to keep us going forward well. Wouldn't want to be actually kicking though (unless it was going a bit tits up!), would make it hard to keep a nice balanced and light seat, also must be off putting, esp for an honest horse - who wants a kicking rider up top when all you are doing is what you are asked!?!

 

[_MizElz_]

Like Glosgirl, I'm another one who keeps my leg 'there' - I grip her and drive her forward, but I dont ever need to kick or use my legs to actually make her jump....the day I do, is the day I know I need to give up jumping, because Ellie is so forward going that as long as I am positive through my mind and seat, she would jump anything. If I ever need to use encouragement (ie. going into a spooky fence, ditch, water tray etc) I use my voice

 

[baymareb]

Agree with the others - leg "there" to keep energy flowing forward and to be ready in case we need more oomph but not kicking. Though with some school horses in the past, much kicking was necessary to even get a lethargic trot out of them!

 

[Dobby]

thank you ladies! What exactly do you mean by having it "there" - like, gripping? Normal riding leg position?

 

[Sanolly]

I would say the stage before gripping, so in close contact with the horses side without gripping.

 

[JessandCharlie]

It was described to me as clinging like a wet cloth. So 'there' and ready to use, but not 'on'

 

[brighteyes]

Close and 'on' but not 'doing' unless needed. There for instant extra squeeze if horse drops off the bridle. They should be maintaining the approach, as if not, then horse isn't actually on the aids.

 

[ThePony]

Def not gripping - never a need for that (use leg on/leg off/leg on/leg off if more 'volume' needed)! Just have your leg resting where you would put your leg on.

 

[Kokopelli]

Your right about the kicking throwing your horse off balance. It would be like you giving someone a piggy back and this person throwing there weight around, you would most likely fall over. But if you gave the same person a piggy back and they just stayed still you would find it a lot easier.

As for what I do with my legs, I can't kick my horse or he would just go nuts, I just keep my legs by his side in case he is silly although I feel him backing off a fence about 3 strides out I might give him a tap with my whip.

I might give my horse a squeeze about two strides from the fence if he is feeling sticky or not focusing on the jump but I would never go into the jump kicking and flapping. Perhaps you could speak to your instructor about this?

 

[Pedantic]

I tend to be too busy thinking about nice canter rythm keeping my heels down and elbows in sitting back on approach then getting jumping position just at the right time to be "kicking", cant see how your expected to keep a proper position if your legs are flapping about

 

[JessandCharlie]

However, OP, do you tend to be way too quiet on the approach to fences? If so, your RI may be trying to get you to ride at the opposite end of the scale so to break the habit and help you find a happy medium? I'm not sure I agree with it, but it could be a temporary habit breaking exercise?

 

[SuperSketch]

It was described to me as clinging like a wet cloth. So 'there' and ready to use, but not 'on'

Ditto. My pony is prone to the occasional dirty stop so this is the perfect definition of how my legs are with him, except a bit more active if coming into a spooky fence.

However, if your horse is taking you towards the fence, he is steady but with good impulsion, your legs should be as JessandCharlie says. Your legs should NEVER be flapping around as it will throw your balance completely out; you should squeeze (Not grip) with your calf muscles and if necessary, give the occasional dig with the heel although make sure that this motion doesn't draw it up from where its supposed to be.

Maybe watch some videos on YouTube of professional showjumping and observe their legs and how active/passive some are. Pius Schwizer is an excellent rider to watch if you want to see a brilliant leg position into and over fences.

Hope this helped!

 

[Dobby]

Thanks everyone! It's possible I am too quiet on the approach, which may be the result of riding brilliant jumping horses for a long time who don't need any encouragement from me.

I like the wet cloth example, I'll remember that!