Eq critique

Hi everyone - I need some help. I am searching for a new H/J trainer, taking trial lessons, and have it down to 3. All 3 hit on my main weakness in my upper body and jumping ahead, which was reinforced by my old trainer (long story there). Sometimes my lower leg will also swing behind me when I'm going over fences, which 2 of the 3 helped me with.

I have one trainer that I prefer, but have one hesitation. She says that on the flat work, my leg is going too far behind me (before she ever saw me jump). Now the flat work is where I am most comfortable, and I used to have a strong position (numerous hours without stirrups and on the lunge line), but I know it is weaker than in the past. Neither of the other trainers commented on my leg on the flat, just over fences. I have a couple of videos here for you guys to watch, and I would love an honest opinion of my position, especially my legs, on the flat and between fences. Feel free to comment on anything else as well, but my legs are my main concern. Thanks in advance!

Short video posting trot

Two lines put together

3 Oxers

schooling session with old trainer and the bad habits being taught/ignored

To be honest, you look fine to me in all of the videos! You're a little ahead only for a split second on the jumps, the very next second you've rebalanced and look normal.

Finding a new instructor can be really tough (I've been through quite a few!) and no instructor will be perfect. Go with whoever you feel the most comfortable with, and who you actually believe when it comes to training techniques. Good luck!

Thanks for the compliment. I just wanted to add that the first 3 videos ARE NOT from the trainer that I am leaving. They are from when I was trying out a new horse with a trainer I respect very highly (but lives 3+hrs away), and he helped open my eyes to some of the stuff that the other guy was teaching. (Thought I would add that in since the trainer is a well known judge/trainer/breeder/exhibitor and I don't want anybody to think I'm bashing him in case they recognized the location or the horse).

Your legs are a tad behind you but you look perfectly balanced. I think the other two trainers might be more into jumping than basics from your description. As for the lower leg swinging out, I have that problem too. My trainer tells me to trust my horse and focus on me. Ask your trainer if the horse has a record of refusing or if they're a point and go type. If they have a record, split your worry. If you can trust your mount, worry about you.

Also, one little comment. When you're approaching a jump, you tend to anticipate it and get into like a quarter seat (half of the half seat/two point). Just chill and wait for the jump. Keep your rhythm by counting but sit a litle deeper.
Just a notice =D

I agree with what other said. You look pretty darn balanced to me. Your lower leg is a tad back, but your base looks very secure. In that last video, it's pretty much stuck to your horse. I wish mine were that still. Considering some of the jumping I've been seeing lately, all of your trainers seem to be pretty good.

Thanks guys. Now here's another question. Would you go with the trainer who is extremely picky about every little detail but concentrates on riding from your leg into your hand and proper bending of your horse, or do you think I should go with the one who feels my riding ability is fine, that I mainly need miles both on the been there done that horses to perfect my rhythm and the horses that have their own little problems (and works you hard on the flat through 3rd level dressage movements). Both trainers are top level trainers - one is new to the area but is already establishing herself as a fantastic trainer while the other one is a mainstay in the community, whom people seem to think is very prestigious to ride with (sp?).

Also, if anybody else has any opinions on my seat, please let me know.

I think you look fine. You can sit on the horse and go to a fence and go over it and nothing bad happens and everything is "pretty". However, if you were to get on a horse with more talent that wasn't such an easy ride and the fences started getting higher I have a feeling that it wouldn't be as nice looking.
I think that right now you are in a place with your riding where nothing ever goes wrong, but you won't progress. You look pretty, I'm sure you pin well at your level but isn't a lot of "form to function" happening and I don't think what you're doing now will translate to a new horse - or a new level.
You have to find a trainer that is going to do what you pay them to do. Personally I ride with someone who nit picks constantly and doesn't allow me to just sit on the horse and ride around. You have to decide at some point in your riding career whether you're going to be a rider - and train your own horses and progress yourself - or a passenger - and just pay the trainer to do the work and you sit on the horse in the show ring.
I think in riding with the first coach you mentioned - you would get a lot more meaningful miles and learn how to effectively ride any horse to any fence and be successful, and with the second coach you mentioned - you would get show ring miles and learn how to sit pretty on a trained horse and pin.

My opinion on your seat is that it is ineffective, but your equitation is nice. I would have no problem pinning you in a class.

Anabel makes a good point. There is a big difference between riding a 'been there done that' horse where you just have to sit there, and a green horse where you really have to step it up and ride. Obviously go with the trainer you're more comfortable with. I'd personally go with the one who challenged me more. It can only make you a better rider.

My trainer is a nitpicker, and I love it! I personally always WANT to be picked at, because I want to be a rider, not a passenger. I'd go with the trainer who teaches you to have a more effective seat over the one who feels your seat is fine, because there is ALWAYS room to improve. Good luck!