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Jumping Critique please :)

2K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Corazon Lock 
#1 ·
https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=3545280709399&saved
This is the link to the video. I have been doing serious jumping work for about a year now, and Rusty has been jumping for almost a year. He's an 11 year old Quarter Horse that was originally trained to go either English or western, but he didn't have a lot of background on jumping.

Please critique him and me, as we could use some ideas before our show in August! I have had trouble with my two point in the past, and I know my release is barely there. Any ideas on how to fix that?

Thanks for all your help!
 
#2 ·
You guys look great! It's funny, I am in the same boat as you. I have a 12 year old AQHA gelding and he was trained western and HUS. We trained heavily in jumping for a while, but that had to be put off when I was given a 7 month old filly :eek:

Your horse moves very well. But your trainer annoys me xD
 
#3 ·
A few small tidbits, but I don't see anything really bad at all :)

.:Jumping:.

My first point is to release more. Yes, I know you are already aware of this, but I will list a few excersises to aid you in your release.
A lot of times the reason people don't release as much as they should is because they are using the neck for balance. I do believe this is the case here. I believe this, not just because of the release, but also it seems you are having a difficult time coming back into the saddle after the jump. I would work on your core.
To do this, I would do a few things, mounted and unmounted. Mounted - try jumping with no hands! Once you get to the jump, spread your arms like a bird! Still get into your two-point, but don't use your hands. This will help strengthen your core, and I think it's really fun too ;)
I would also do an unmounted workout. 100 situps a day. Sounds like a lot, but it goes by quickly. 50 in the morning, 50 at night, 100 at night, a few throughout the day, however you want to do it is fine, but I would try to get them all in. Being physically fit will help your riding tremendously.

I also see just a few other things. One would be that your leg is sliding back.
Make sure you are hugging your horse with your legs the entire ride. Heels down, toes up for security, and lock in your leg. If you can, grip with your thighs and your calves (NOT your knees!) but if you can't, it will come later in riding as you advance.


.:Flatwork:.

You are leaning forward WAY too much. No dodging around it, so I have to be blunt. You are leaning forward, which is throwing your balance, causing you to bounce in the saddle, and be more insecure. Act like someone is pulling your head up by a string. Roll your shoulders back, stick your boobs out, and act like you are the prissiest little rider EVA! It sounds dumb, but it does work.

You almost seem to be slouching. Make sure you are sitting up very straight and pretty. Pretend like you are at a show 24/7. Don't slack off in lessons. I only say that because I used to do it too ;) You advance so much faster if you are at your best all the time.

And lastly,, don't forget to bend your elbows :)


You really are a nice rider, and you will shape up to be someone to really watch out for! Yes, you've got some things to work on, but if you didn't, that wouldn't be as much fun, now would it ;)
 
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#6 ·
Thanks for all the advice! Rusty is somewhat slab-sided, so it is harder for me to get my leg on him. My posture is awful even unmounted (lol) so sit-ups sound like a plan. Any other posture exercises? Also, I have been experiencing lower back pain and I guess it's because I arch my LOWER back too much, so I'm trying to figure out how to roll my shoulders back without overarching my lower back (this is what my chiropractor said).

Also, anything about Rusty? We're currently training for the hunters. I'm so proud of him as he has come so far. When he first started, he would "hang" on the bit, even after he was in shape. He honestly thought he was supposed to drop his head because he was trained by his old owner to do so for WP, but he didn't have the gait. Anyway, we switched to a pelham bit (don't worry, I have both sets of reins now), and it's working fabulous - no more hanging! Also, we had a problem with running out, and now he's game for anything.

I guess I'm asking: Where do you think his strengths lie, what should we work on for him, and do you think he would make a good hunter? I'd like to try eventing with him a few years down the road, depending on where I go to college next.
 
#8 ·
My posture is awful even unmounted (lol) so sit-ups sound like a plan. Any other posture exercises? Also, I have been experiencing lower back pain and I guess it's because I arch my LOWER back too much, so I'm trying to figure out how to roll my shoulders back without overarching my lower back (this is what my chiropractor said).
I would actually not do situps. A lot of people do not realize that your abdominal muscles are meant to be stabilizing muscles. It's not there for movement. Core exercises such as situps go against what they are there for. Pilates core exercises would strengthen them more correctly.

As for the arching back thing, instead of thinking about your lower back, think about your sternum or thorax. (same area, middle of chest) Sit like a slouch in a chair with your hand in the small of your back. Open your sternum like a rooster about to crow. You'll immediately feel a snowball effect of your shoulders opening and shoulder blades relaxing, you spine will grow tall and strong, and your lower back will arch naturally instead of being forced like you are doing now. If you do this same exercise in the saddle by switching between full seat and half seat, you'll get the idea. Just sit there at the halt or walk with your hand behind your back. Just open your sternum and you'll see how little you actually have to do align your body into a perfect jumping position including your heels dropping when you come out up out of the saddle. If you have mirrors in your ring, even better. I did this exercise a zillion times to help develop new muscle memory. It has really paid off. Good luck!
 
#9 ·
I think you look stiff-- On your flat work at least. I think its because you are leaning way far forward... You look like you are leaning on down to your hands and on his neck. Just sit sit sit THEN 2 point... you don't have to be that dramatic just let him throw you into position.

You look really natural though! I do like you over the jumps.
 
#11 ·
No I don't count strides lol. I get so confused with the counting - there's too many things for me to remember it seems like to actually remember to count too!

What do you all think of Rusty? I know I'm not the greatest rider around, but does he look okay?
 
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