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Leaning forword before the jump2007-11-24 21:18:20

I accidently lean forword before the jump when I'm only trotting it. They are only little tiny verticals, not even 18 in. I dont do two point but I lean forword slightly and I need to stop. HELP!?

Answers:

Try putting a trot pole infront of the jump. About 6'-9' and concentrate on not rising out of the saddle until you trot over the pole. Cantering jumps is more natural for proper timing so I wouldn't stress this much.

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seeing the distance to the jump at the trot is more difficult than at the canter because some of the movement is upwards-- so many riders lean forward too early(your case) or too late. i think you are over-anticipating the jump. one of the exercises i'd try would be to place a flower pot on the ground or draw a line where you want to assume your jumping position in front of the jump. since the jumps aren't that high, i'd say about 3-4 feet in front of the jump would work well(adjusting that length for the size and speed of your horse). another thing to try would be to, about 3 strides away from takeoff, to look away from the jump so you follow your horse's movement through feeling the change from trot to takeoff. if your horse runs out during this, build a sort of chute with other jumps to funnel him up to it. seeing the distance to a jump takes experience, but i hope these tips help!

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count in your mind, 1,2,3,4 till u get to the jump rise up when you feel the horse go over, its not a big jump so dont make a big move.

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It is important that you learn to sit up when your jumping. As you move up in levels being able to sit up is VERY important. Is your saddle possibly tipping you forward and altering your position? trot poles work well when set about 6' from the base of the jump, depending on how big our horses stride is. Have someone watch you and tell you when your leaning forward. then you can go through your approaches piece by piece and possibly see what is causing you to lean. just try and concentrate constantly going through a checklist in your mind about your position.

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Most people do an exaggerated 2 point "pop" forward just before a jump because they have been watching the Grand prix jumpers. The riders are staying in the same postion...It is the horse that closes the angle and does the pop_ We, as amateurs just don't realize it. Imagine a force field that pushes your upper body away from the neck and into two point. Let the horse jump the fence NOT YOU!! Recommended reading CENTERED RIDING II Further along the Center by Sally Swift.