Jumping Lessons
Once you are able to walk, trot and canter it is time to move up to the most exciting part of riding - jumping! Jumping is just like another canter stride with an extra pop to it. However, to make it most comfortable for you and the horse, learning how to control the horse and jump properly is essential.
Jumping can be taught at Limebrook. You will start off on small cross poles, and can progress as far as your skill (and the horse!) can take you! I
Jumping
Jumping is made up of a number of phases, the approach, take off, moment of suspension, landing and recovery.
In the approach phase you need to ensure your horse is approaching the jump straight, in balance, and with the right amount of impulsion.
A horse takes off for the fence about the same distance before as the fence is high, however, sometimes the horse might take off early, or put in an extra stride.
The moment of suspension is when you are both in the air. The rider will be forward at this point in the jumping position, and needs to give with the hands so the horse can stretch out its neck. It is at this point that the rider can influence which lead leg the horse will take on landing - essential if another jump is to follow.
On landing the horse will come down first on his lead leg, and then the other.
The first stride after landing is the recovery. Proper contact is regained, and the horse encouraged to continue smoothly away.
Preparation
Before starting the jumping part of your lesson you will be asked to check and make sure your girth is tight, and to shorten your stirrups. Stirrups are usually taken up a couple of holes for jumping as it makes it easier to take the jumping position.
For the jumping position the rider leans forward so that their chest is just above the horse’s neck. It is a good idea to practice taking this position in normal canter to get the feel of it before tackling a jump.
Before your first jump you should practice going over trotting poles. Especially when these are placed between wings (the sides of the jump), as they will help you to steer in the middle. Trotting poles teach a horse to be better co-ordinated, to pick up his feet and get into a good rhythm. Novice riders often find their first few attempts at poles a bit bouncy, but soon get the hang of it.
Jumping can be taught at Limebrook. You will start off on small cross poles, and can progress as far as your skill (and the horse!) can take you! I
Jumping
Jumping is made up of a number of phases, the approach, take off, moment of suspension, landing and recovery.
In the approach phase you need to ensure your horse is approaching the jump straight, in balance, and with the right amount of impulsion.
A horse takes off for the fence about the same distance before as the fence is high, however, sometimes the horse might take off early, or put in an extra stride.
The moment of suspension is when you are both in the air. The rider will be forward at this point in the jumping position, and needs to give with the hands so the horse can stretch out its neck. It is at this point that the rider can influence which lead leg the horse will take on landing - essential if another jump is to follow.
On landing the horse will come down first on his lead leg, and then the other.
The first stride after landing is the recovery. Proper contact is regained, and the horse encouraged to continue smoothly away.
Preparation
Before starting the jumping part of your lesson you will be asked to check and make sure your girth is tight, and to shorten your stirrups. Stirrups are usually taken up a couple of holes for jumping as it makes it easier to take the jumping position.
For the jumping position the rider leans forward so that their chest is just above the horse’s neck. It is a good idea to practice taking this position in normal canter to get the feel of it before tackling a jump.
Before your first jump you should practice going over trotting poles. Especially when these are placed between wings (the sides of the jump), as they will help you to steer in the middle. Trotting poles teach a horse to be better co-ordinated, to pick up his feet and get into a good rhythm. Novice riders often find their first few attempts at poles a bit bouncy, but soon get the hang of it.
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.jpg "landing (600 x 450)")
Pictures below show the various phases of jumping - approach, take off, suspension, landing and recovery. Click on the pictures to enlarge.
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