one problem fixed, another returns :/

So for ages, I've been struggling with getting left behind or jumping ahead, and not quite being able to get my position. A while ago I finally fixed THAT, but my lower leg completely gave up on me and disappeared... I've attached a couple of pics to show what I mean, there is 2in difference in height between the two fences but my lower leg was MUCH better before I sorted out my upper body. The fence in the white sand arena is the older photo, from months ago now. The oxer is more recent.

I'm not asking for advice, I'm going to trial a working student position with an Olympic rider so if I get that position he will sort me right out - I'm just having a whine. Please no critique, I know what's wrong.

I'm not a jumper.. but I think you're over-thinking it!

I know as equestrians we have to constantly decide our next move when riding.. we make little changes here and there as the ride goes on. But maybe you're focusing toooo much on your upper body and forgetting what to do with your legs.

Maybe just spend some time in 2-point and breeze over the jumps without thinking about it too much?

Who are you going to be a working student for? That is awesome, im jealous!!

Sky, the problem is I pinch with my knees, that's why my lower leg just dies. So I know what's wrong, I just can't fix it! Although last weekend I felt pretty good, even considered jumping a couple of 110cm verticals (was at a show, after all the classes were through, and the biggest class was 110cm - just training, because dork decided wine barrels are scary)... but decided against it because a new height at a show is a bad idea! I am getting there, just not happy.

I am THE biggest critic of my own position I know!!

Poneigh, the position I'm trialling is with Heath Ryan :)

Congrats on the working student position! Or the trial anyways... very cool.

Have you tried working through bounce grids starting in a half-seat and just letting your body follow the movement of the jumps, concentrating on keeping your weight in your ankles/knees and just letting your horse come up to meet you?

Both of the pictures show that you're not quite with the movement and your weight is not wrapping down and around the horse.

Thanks :)

I have been doing grids in the past couple of weeks, only a 3-fence grid because I don't have a lot of poles. But it's a bounce, then one stride to an oxer, and I actually set it up to get Monty a bit tighter and snappier but I think it has improved my riding.

In the one where your leg slide back you are jumping ahead and ducking. Because your body is too far forward, it causes your leg to slip back.

Good luck at your working student trial =]

I do that :/ I either duck or get left behind, it drives me nuts!! All the coaches I have ever had have just about bitten my head off over it.

Here what I've done which has helped me a TON. I do 10-15minutes every ride it two point. I just do my whole w/t/c warm up on a loose rein in two point. Even if I flat I put my stirrups up for my warm up and put them back down to do dressage. It has really helped me get my leg and core a lot stronger.

Also, when I jump, I think of not doing anything and not moving at all.

Good luck =]

Thanks, that's great advice and I'll be sure to do my best to put it into action! The grids have helped but not as much as I would like so more time in two-point would help some more.