Ways to improve my jumping position

Hi,
So me and my friend want to jump really bad but my trainer hasnt set any lessons up. But now that her bf's (the farrier ;) ) sons are starting to ride and havent had constants lessons like us girls. She's all talking about having them jump and stuff like 4-h...
SO I started jumping on my own. I know the basics from our other jump lessons. Heals down, back flat, don't grip with the knees, grab the mane.
Well now im way to dependent on Gypsy's neck. And can't get off of it, how do I get a better balanced position?
I finally stopped gripping with my knees and actually open them up! So that's good. I tried getting pics but they didnt turn out I will try later.
Gypsy just loves to jump! Its so fun with her although when she gets to excited she gets sloppy. Half halts! Half halts!

Try to push you heels down, this will help keep your legs in the right place, look up and don't get very far out of the saddle yet. I imagine you are only jumping very small, you hardly need to get out of the saddle until the jumps are about 60cm and just move your hand a little way up your horses neck so you don't pull on his mouth.

Hi Gypsy - hope you're having fun!

Couple of quick exercises that really helped me.

> Practice moving from your usual riding position to the jumping position at walk... so something like 8 paces seated, 8 paces jumping... etc, then speed up! I find this particularly effective at the canter. If you find yourself getting in front or behind the horse or leaning on the neck, then slow down a pace.

> If you have someone who can lunge, then practice some small fences with no reins. I found this helped no end with my posture.

Also, it might help if you imagine your weight flowing down the front of your legs to the balls of your feet - helps to keep your weight centred. Then push heels down to anchor the position.

Do you have a friend who can watch and give a few tips? I always think it's best when jumping anyway.

Hope you have lots of fun!

I was going to suggest doing lots of 2-point! When doing it, you should be balanced over the center of the saddle, so you should be able to ride around and have your hands up off her neck - I usually put my hands on the horses neck, but don't put any weight on them (just in case I start to tip forward, then I don't have to scramble haha).

Eyes on the ground are the best way to fix problems, even if its just your friend!

Even if you don't have lessons and a trainer at this time, I would really really suggest not jumping completely by yourself. It's hard to judge what is happening from up there, sometimes and you could hurt yourself or your horse if you are not jumping properly. Have a knowledgeable friend stay on the ground and watch you, give you pointers and lead you step by step through jumping.

Thanks, I hope to get lessons sometime but heck its been forever! I've never fallen off hope to keep it that way! Im only jumping like a 1' + and I don't jump all by my self someone is always there.