Hunter Jumping :o
 

I just started hunter jumper lessons. We have been practicing strengthening my muscles and making sure i have correct posture and all that other jazz. We did ground poles and practiced a course with ground poles. This week I actually get to do my first jump (this friday) and i am VERY excited and nervous. Any tips? :)

First tip would be to not make a big deal about the jump. Don't change anything from going over poles to jumping. Focus on your flatwork and consistant rhythm and the jump will come right to you.

thanks a ton!! :D

Agreed;
Be sure to keep your calves closed, keep pushing with your leg. Also, I have a big problem with leaning on my horse's neck (Haha, I learned from an eventer and she didn't really correct me when I picked up the habit! D: ) But anyway, yeah, keep off the horse's neck, otherwise it'll prevent them from getting over the fence and therefore they would hit it.

I agree, don't make a big deal out of the jump. It's really just a slightly elevated trot/ canter pole. Make sure your horse is going forward and maintain its rythm, this will keep it from trying to run out or refuse. Basically I think of it as 'attacking the jump,' and this works well with most school horses. Whatever you do, do NOT look down or at the ground, pick a specific focal point (ie that branch on that tree,) and keep your eyes on it. Make sure your heels are down, give your horse his head, and hold on to the mane or neck strap so you don't get too left behind. Don't immediately sit own after the jump, stand up for a few strides to regain control, and then keep going and finish your line :)

I know it seems like a lot to think about, but you'll quickly get the hang of it! Jumping is really fun and challengeing at first, but it soon gets easier.

Okay!! Thanks :) I am gonna make sure that I keep all of that in mind tomorrow. But really thank you for the advise and I have jumped a lot for fun in western though so :o
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No problem! And good luck :) Hunters becomes EXTREMLY fun once you add jumping in the mix.

If this is your first time jumping than I am assuming you will be on a more beginner type horse or a horse that has jumped plenty before! If this is the case than you will start off with verrrryyyy small jumps. Lots of ponies or horses will probably just step over it like they would a pole so don't expect too much! As you continue jumping and becoming a better hunter rider, you will jump more and higher in which your horse will probably actually JUMP the jump but by than you should of have had enough practice over the smaller jumps to ride it well! Jumping is one of my favorite things to do on a horse (I jump anywere from 2'6"-3'3") but good luck and remember: heals down, eyes up, squeeze at the jump, and grab mane! Have fun! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

have fun =]

All a jump is is a big canter stride. Most importantly, besides having fun, is being in two point/jump position when you go over the jump. So exciting!