How's My Jumping Position?

1.) This is probably the closest to the best of the bunch, because even though you're standing on your toe, you're crouched down over the saddle, not standing up. I'd like to see you get your lower leg more underneath you; your heel is nicely down, but you've allowed your lower leg to swing back. You've got a nice release, your head is up (though your eyes may be down?), and you've got a nice flat back. You took a long spot to this jump, as evidence by your horse's sloppy front end and looong stretch to the fence. This is okay (you can't get them perfect every time), but I'd rather see a horse chip in than take the long distance.

2.) Take a good look at your horse's knees in this photo... they're tilted to the side. This is because you're leaning to your right. You're on your toes, standing straight up in the irons (a common boo-boo in jumpers & hunter riders these days) and I can see daylight between you and the saddle. Practice allowing your horse's natural thrust to push you up and out of the saddle instead of trying to jump FOR your horse. It takes some practice, but it's so much easier (and safer) than putting in a big effort yourself. Plus, it'll keep you off of your horse's neck... you're leaning on her in this photo.

3.) She's putting in a big effort over those flower boxes (and looks pretty cute doing it, too). It's hard to move your hand and stay out of the face when they take the big distance, or take a big leap, but always be thinking about preserving the head. If you restrict the movement of the head and neck, you're going to end up not only hurting the mouth, you're going to encourage the over jumping out of fear on the horse's part. Riders who catch their horses in the mouth (and you're not one of them) tend to be the people who come on here asking "why is my horse rushing to the jumps?!" The more you jump, the more adept you'll become at those big jumps.

4.) Again, you're standing up in the stirrups. Think about crouching over the centre of the saddle. It may behoove you to temporarily shorten your stirrups a hole until you can get the feel for it.

5.) Same as the last, but be very careful about letting your foot slide home in the stirrup. Not only is it potentially dangerous, it prevents your ankle from flexing the way it needs to in order to act as a shock absorber (and get your heal down).

6.) Pass.

7.) Eyes up! I've already harped on standing in the irons, so I want to talk about your toe. You've got penguin feet. Not bad, but sometimes you tend to stick your toe out more than is strictly necessary. This is a hard habit to fix, because the rider often attempts to fix it by twisting the ankle, which tends to cause pain. The real root of the problem is usually the thigh or calf needing to rotate. But toes out doesn't bother me as much as it does some people - it's a very militaristic style of riding, and it's secure because it connects the calf to the horse... maybe not the right part of the calf (back versus the inside), but it gives you extra grip. You just have to be thoughtful if you ride in spurs.

8.) You're twisting your body in the air. Most of your weight is in your left stirrup, and you're back is twisted at your lumbar to the right. It's a little early to tell, but I suspect your horse will have crooked knees over this jumps.

9.) I like this picture, too. Less daylight between you and the saddle, but much like the first picture you are on your toe. Think about sinking your weight deep into your heel a stride before the jump. Nice crest release. Again, eyes up!

10.) I like your upper body in this one. Your hip angle is more open in this picture, your head and eyes (I think. I hope) are both up. Your weight is on your hand more than I like to see, but that's okay. Your horse is just taking a big canter stride over this, which is totally fine.

Overall... nicely done. You need to work on your lower leg (don't we all?), and doing work without your stirrups (being careful to not pinch with your knee) and in your half-seat at all three gaits will be helpful. You've got a good release; it's nice to see someone not completely throwing the reins away all of the time, or in the horse's mouth. Part of your problem with your ankle may be your boots restricting your movement. Remember to wait for your horse to jump, don't throw yourself at her. Release with your arms, not your shoulders! If you take anything away from this critique, let it be that.

Your mare is very cute. She's got a sharp expression and is pretty tidy with her knees, for the most part. She's got a tight lower leg when it counts, which is good. She seems very honest. She clearly loves her job, and is clearly happy with the way you're riding her. Good job.

In some of these photos you seem to be over folding... Alot of riders do this and its a common mistake, but it does have an impact on your horses performance. You seem to be throwing your self on your horses neck which isn't correct, you should be in a half seat when you hit the jump or across the whole course, depending on what you are doing. If you are in a half seat when you hit the jump you shouldn't have to push yourself any further because the horse should come to you. I think you'd me alright if you wasn't doing that.. Youtube it...