Flatwork and Jumping Critique [img heavy]

Hey everyone!

I couldn't keep myself away from the critique boards for long. Because of financial issues, I can only ride on Wednesdays, so in between lessons I try to do everything I can to improve my riding. I am currently working out a few days a week and I also love posting pictures here for critique! Not only can I see things I never notice when I'm riding, it also helps my attitude towards riding… lots of people on here have so much good advice and words of encouragement to provide. So, here I am again, with new old pictures for you all to critique! You just can't get rid of me! XD

These are pictures of me riding Snow White and Ricky. I've already posted all the pictures of me jumping Ricky so you get to critique flatwork on Ricky now and jumping on Snow White! These pictures are from about a year ago but I bet you all can find some stuff I haven't seen after looking at these pictures time after time. I don't ride these ponies anymore, sadly... I switched barns and now ride a larger horse.

I'm looking for critique on my equitation and general form, and also I would LOVE to know what sorts of things I can change about my form to ride more like a Hunter/Jumper. In the spring I'll be going to my first Hunter/Jumper show ever. I've only ever shown in Equitation, and have been taught for 9 years to have my hands up and in front of me, reins short and a tall seat. I know Hunter/Jumper form is different, but I'm not sure what exactly I can do to adapt that form.

Actually a few of these pictures appeared in a previous thread but I thought it would be good to include them so you all can help me figure out what I need to change to become a Hunter/Jumper! Thanks!

OH WAIT one more thing. I know my reins are pretty long in the flat class. My instructor at the last minute was like "just let your reins go long and have him go pretty fast." Lol. Also sorry my face is blurred out... it's one of my parents' many internet safety rules.

Anyways, I will stop rambling. Here are the pictures!


Here we are trotting our warmup circle before our course.



Cantering around during our course.



Cantering to the first jump.












Now here are jumping pics... my legs are swinging a lot lol D=

Okay and lastly here are a few pics I showed in another thread, but it might help you all think of ways I can adapt a Hunter/Jumper form...





Thanks in advance for any tips and advice!

Just a quick critique....

*Watch those hands, thumbs up! In some pics you have "piano hands"
*In the first picture, your foot is too far in the stirrup. But you fixed it, so no biggie.

All I have time for right now. You look good!

Thanks so much! Haha I didn't even notice about my foot in the stirrup love that about critiques lol so much to learn

Well in the second jumping pic with the white horse, it loks like you are holding the reins to tight.

You look good, GREAT heels!

For hunter/jumper, it's about the horse, not you. Loosen your reins, and do a half seat at the canter. Try to show off the horse's movement by staying out of his way, and even if he's not the easiest ride, you want him to look smooth, even, and calm.

The only thing that I caught (I am still learning as well ) are your hands. Cute horses!

I agree about the piano hands, but I also noticed in some pictures your hands are almost touching they are so close and others they are way too far apart. Good hands are a hard thing to get down and is a common thing for beginners to have problems with. Also, in the pictures on the flat, your heels need to go down. That may be due to your foot being to far into the stirrup (which has already been addressed). Overall, very good and cute pony.

Thanks so much everyone for the tips!! Does anyone know anything about the hunter/jumper form? And maybe how I can switch from my eq form to be more like a hunter/jumper?

It looks like you're running out of horse in the pics you need to quit growing!