I feel that there are coaches out there, who are allowing their students to jump, way before their students are capeable of doing so.
Too many coaches, allow holes in their students training/education - then we end up with uneducated, teaching the uneducated.
There are riders out there who are jumping, before they even have any solid, funcitonal form on the flat. Who cannot even do the basics on the flat. Who cannot even do a 20 meter circle under control, rhythm, balance. Riders who cannot even do simple Training Level Dressage movements...but yet - they are flying over fences, far before they should be. Who have no concept of the importancies of basics...to make that jump safe, secure, fun, educated, functional.
Because we have coaches who want he $ in their pocket.
Find a coach, who really puts the value and importance on your education. Find a coach who cares. Find a coach who wont allow holes in your training.
Because you deserve nothing less. :wink::wink:
Basics, basics, basics first. Most importantly. Find a valuable coach, who will work on the basics with you.
Walk, Trot, Canter. Control, rhytm. Functoinal Form. Bending, Circles, lateral work. Lune line work.
Because, you deserve nothing less. :wink::wink:
Learn how to walk, trot, canter on your own - through balance, security, rhythm, control, safety.
Learn lateral movements.
Learn control, via seat to legs to hands.
Then when you establish those important basics - then move to trot poles. Learning how to blance thorugh your heels. Learning to secure your two point. Learn how to control your rhythm though the trot poles.
Learn how to solidfy your form for when you start to go over fences. Solid lower leg, seat low to tack, strong core, strong upper body. Releases.
Do all of this over trot poles, cavaletties and x rails.
Lune Line work is always a fabulous way to learn all of this. I am 32, been riding all my life. Experienced allot in my days of riding from Prelim Eventing to haveing the priveledge of riding with the World Famous Lippizaner Stallions, to enjoying my days in Pony Club and blah diddy blah blah - yadda yadda yadda - and I Even go on the lunge line.
Even GP Level Riders go on the Lunge Line.
No one, is too good for the lunge line
I do allot of Reinless work. Establishing rhythm and control through my seat. My lower legs. Establishing balance and security. Learning to rely on my lower legs and heels to supprort me through my 2 point.
Of of this is valuable and important for when you start learning to jump.
Far too many riders out there are being permitted to go over fences, far before they should be. Horrible form over fences - riders who cannot even establish control and rhythm on approach to a fence.
It isn't the height of the fence that matters, it is the quallity of the fence that does.
I am not saying to not go out there and learn - on the contrary. I am saying, find an educated, valuable coach who is willing to work with you, to give you the needed education you deserve - to be the best rider you possibly can be, for your horse.
Afterall - it isn't about you. It is about the horse. Brining out the best in them, at all times while on their backs.
GP Riders, jump once a week. Sometimes they wont even jump until the warm up ring at a comp.
Because they spend most of their time doing Dressage/Flat Work.
GP Level horses, know minimally level 3 dressage.
Jumping - afterall - is dressage with speed bumps
I wish you all the best, and be picky on who you choose to coach you