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Help with my jump position?

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Chiilaa 
#1 ·
My heels pop up over fences, and my leg goes back b/c i try to "overjump"... any tips??? Also, I tend to "snap back"

(I've only been jumping for 2 weeks... I have a solid foundation in dressage, though)
 
#2 ·
Sounds like your position isn't quite right. Start by establishing a solid 1/2 seat. At the halt or walk, stand straight up in your stirrups in balance to where you don't have to hang onto the horse for balance. Then without changing anything from the knee down, almost sit down in the saddle to where your hovering over it without actually touching it. This is the correct position. Practice holding this position at the walk, then trot, then canter until your thighs either burn and ignite into a fireball. Over time your legs will get stronger to where you can hold that position without hanging on for balance.

Once your half seat is good to go, practice it by trotting over ground poles making sure to do nothing except move JUST YOUR ARMS forward to release your horse's neck over the poles. Next move onto cross rails again concentrating on just releasing the horse's neck. It's important to establish the do nothing muscle memory or you'll end up in the jump ahead trap that most of us are guilty of. Good luck.
 
#3 ·
How many holes are you adjusting your stirrups up by? I ride with good long dressage length stirrups, so when I go to jump, I have to bring them up by 3 and sometimes 4 holes, rather than the usual 2 holes.

Also, I know that as a wannabe dressage rider, I have a problem remembering while jumping that I have to force my heels down a little - when on the flat I just let them fall down with my weight if you know what I mean?
 
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