Okay, New Zealand just has amazing XC riders! That horse is absolutely flying in that first pic! Your position is fantastic. Deep in the tack, but enough out of the saddle to let him do his job. Your leg is back a little on that last one coming out of the ditch, but I'm in no position to pick on your form. I could never jump that stuff, at least not yet!
Your horse is a spectacular athlete, and you do a wonderful job of staying with him while staying out of his way.
The only change I would suggest is to work on dropping your hand down gradually and working towards a longer release and eventually an automatic. I think I can see your right hand over the top of his neck in the first pic. If you're using a short crest release so you can grab a little mane in the air to keep up of his back, never mind what I just said. (I would most certainly be doing the same thing with that horse's jump.)
Your horse is a spectacular athlete, and you do a wonderful job of staying with him while staying out of his way.
The only change I would suggest is to work on dropping your hand down gradually and working towards a longer release and eventually an automatic. I think I can see your right hand over the top of his neck in the first pic. If you're using a short crest release so you can grab a little mane in the air to keep up of his back, never mind what I just said. (I would most certainly be doing the same thing with that horse's jump.)
Just looked at a bigger version of the pic but that's just his wild mane not my hand haha. Why do you say I need a longer release just curious? I used to have a problem of over releasing and it seems I am slowly getting better though I didnt think it was interfering??
*runs to find pic of my old release....*
Or is this better (i think its longer than the XC one)
Yup in the old pics you were definitely over releasing!
When I say longer release, I actually mean bring your hand down slightly and an equal amount closer to the saddle, not such an exaggerated broken line. You're such a tight, capable rider; I don't think you need a true crest release
Short release = hands half way up the neck. Long release = hands closer to the withers.
