tips for drop fences?

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polyphonic

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I posted a couple of pics in PG of me going over a couple of drop fences. I dont think my leg position is too bad when I am going over and landing but for some reason I tend to hang on to the reins, and sometimes restrict the horse. I think its a physcological thing that if I have a hold of them then I can support them on landing (if that makes sense) Are there any tips out there for drop fences that you would like to share?
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I'm off to have a look in PG, but I find the thing that helps me most is to say to myself 'SIT UP SIT UP' and remind myself that I might whack my face on horses neck if I don't! Looking up helps, to
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I just lean back, sit deep and slip the reins. I think that if he has his head he can stretch down and figure out the landing. Also, don't look down because then you'll tip your shoulders forwards and unbalance the horse. Good luck!
 
Just imagine the horse needs its head, holding onto it isn't going to support a 1/2 tonne of animal! Like others have said, just look forward, keep a rythm coming in to it and relax. Loosen your rein so it can slide through your fingers as you go down. I guess its just a case of practice so you get used to giving the rein?
 
Why not adopt my theory over drop fences, ride them on a buckle end with your head almost touching the horse's bum!
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good job I have a willing horse

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Just borrow a horse that knows what they are doing. the only reason I have to have these dramatic leaps of faith with Oshk is because he is quite energetic and I do not want to be trown out of the front door on landing as he has an overactive back end. When I was on Bertha all I needed to do was slip her rein and sit still, with a sensible horse you can learn quite a lot!
 
Your overall position is good, you should keep a contact but let the reins "slip" through your fingers, just enough to give the horse room to stretch his neck and put you arms forward too. Your balance on the horse is important, too far forward on a drop and this could result in you coming out the front door or worse pulling horse off balance and him coming down in front, but you don't want to be too behind him at the start of the drop either. I was always taught that you sit up at the take off, then your upper body comes back as the horse begins the decent.

Does this make sense?
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It does Lou!! thank you! I was watching videos of me TC and XC and everyone of them I clung on. I feel secure in my seat but I just need to learn to sit up a little and let the reins slip through...thanks for the tips!!
 
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