Hunter and Equ - Hands on the horse's neck?

Many people are taught with the following series of releases which is why you are seeing what you are seeing--

1. stand up in the stirrups, two point several steps out from the jump and grab mane

2. grab mane only one step out from the jump. At this stage you are taught to close and open your hip angle with the horse's jump.

3. perform a generous crest release perhaps looping a finger in the mane while your pinkies press into the neck, but as the horse jumps not in preparation for the jump

4. perform just the release the horse needs while pressing the pinkies on either side of the neck (crest release)

5. forget about pressing into either side of the neck, just release and stay in balance with the horse (automatic release)

I think the crest releases you are seeing are just a "habit" or hold over from how those riders were schooled. It is the most popular type of release used and is based on giving you a secure place to put your hands for the instance of a refusal (imagine using the neck to keep yourself pushed back in the saddle and not pitching over the neck) or a rough landing (to help you sit up). Most riders continue to use a crest release even if they are not pushing on the neck at all--at least it is there if you should need it.

There are 4 types of releases for jumping.

The Basic release: this is where the rider grabs a it of mane. It allows the rider to avoid falling back, or hitting the horses mouth, or using the horses mouth to balance themselves. It's mainly used by beginners and/or with green horses. However keep in mind all riders can use this release and is a good one to learn not to hang onto the horses mouth.

The Short Crest release: this is where the rider will slide their hands up the crest of the horse as it takes off. You slide your hands up a couple of inches, as needed. This helps provide support for the riders position, while still having control of your horse. (i've found that this release works best on vertices when you have to turn when you hit the ground)

The Long Crest release: this is similar to the short crest release but you push your hands up farther up the crest of the horse. It gives the horse a lot more freedom while jumping. This is a bit harder than the other releases and the rider can sometimes get in a bad habit of jumping ahead of their horse. (I've heard this is best for oxers/liver-pools, or a horse that jumps wide/large)

The last one is the Automatic release: This is one of the most advanced releases. It will require perfect balance, if not the rider can hurt the horses mouth. If you can perfect this release this is the best one to use whenever possible. You maintain a soft, steady rein contact with a straight line from your elbow to the bit as the horse jumps. Using this release it's possible to turn in the air, let the horse know what to do when landing, and sometimes will provide support and confidence in the horse.

Which one you use is up to your riding skill. Each one is a good release to know and practice but be careful when practicing them. After you are comfortable with doing them and know you can you'll be the judge of which release to use on/over a jump. Good luck!

There are at least three different kinds of releases over fences: the short crest release, the long crest release, and the automatic release.

Work with your trainer. The right release for you depends on your ability and experience level, your horse, and (lastly) the classes in which you compete.