How do you move your body as you jump your horse?

Question

I would like your help.  Please dont refer me to horse trainers. I know how to jump. I am in classes with a horse trainer. But I am still asking for a more detailed description.

Please explain how to jump a horse giving complete instructions as if you are explaining to someone the first time. When do you get into 2-point?  When do you shift your weight into more of a squat as you take off?  How does counting strides help you and how do you control the strides?  Thanks for as much detail as you can share!

? · Accepted Answer

You go into jumping position as the horse takes off - go in any sooner and your horse may decide to stop. Leaving it later means you get behind the movement.
You have to "stand" in your stirrups (the same "stand" as you do in rising trot). Think about sticking your bum backwards rather than leaning forward - this will help you keep the weight in your heels (vital!) and not rest on your horses neck.
Your leg position should not change - your heels stay down and your lower leg should not creep back towards the horses bum - if it does and the horse stops, you go rolling over the front.
Don't rest your hands on the horses neck. You need to give as the horses head moves as it jumps. 
The position is much like a squat - bum back, back straight, look ahead but heels down (difficult to practice on the floor)
Ask your instructor for more clarification, to show you, to move you into the position etc as they will be able to correct you as you go. But, there is no harm in asking around for more explanations or different ways of explaining something

Ice Cat · Answer

Ask your trainer ... that is what you are paying for.

If you already knew how to jump you would not be asking here.

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How do you move your body as you jump your horse?

2 Answers