How to Jump a Horse

In today’s article, we’ll walk you through the process of how to start jumping your horse. We’ll cover everything from the safety precautions you need to take, to the rider’s position for jumping, and even some helpful tips we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Jumping can be an exciting activity to do with your horse, but safety should always come first.
• Before you start jumping, make sure you’re comfortable at the trot and canter, and that you have a good warm-up with your horse.
• The rider’s position for jumping is key, and practicing the two-point position can help you feel more secure in the saddle. Remember to look up and past the jump, grab mane if needed, and fold your elbows in when bending at your waist.

Safety Precautions

When it comes to jumping, safety should always be a top priority. In this section, we will discuss two important safety precautions that should be taken before starting to jump.

Need for a Companion

Jumping can be a more risky activity, so it is important to have a companion with you for safety reasons. Whether it’s an instructor or a friend, having someone with you can provide an extra set of eyes and hands in case of an emergency. They can also help you in case you fall off or need assistance with your horse. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to have a companion with you when jumping.

Importance of a Riding Helmet

Another important safety precaution when jumping is wearing a riding helmet. Jumping can be more dangerous than other riding activities, so it is crucial to protect your head in case of a fall or accident. A riding helmet can prevent serious head injuries and should always be worn when jumping. Make sure to invest in a good quality helmet that fits properly and meets safety standards.

Remember, safety should always come first when jumping. By having a companion with you and wearing a riding helmet, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy jumping with peace of mind.

Pre-Jump Preparations

As we prepare to start jumping, there are a few important steps we need to take to ensure the safety of both ourselves and our horse. In this section, we will discuss two key aspects of pre-jump preparation: comfort at trot and canter, and warming up.

Comfort at Trot and Canter

Before attempting to jump, it is crucial that we feel comfortable and secure at both the trot and canter. This will help us to develop an independent seat, which is essential for maintaining balance and stability when jumping.

To achieve this, we should spend time practicing our trot and canter, focusing on maintaining a secure and balanced position in the saddle. By doing so, we will develop the necessary muscle strength and coordination to confidently navigate jumps.

Warm-Up Routine

Another important step in pre-jump preparation is warming up. A good warm-up routine should last between 15 to 20 minutes and should include a combination of walk, trot, and canter.

The purpose of warming up is to prepare our horse’s muscles for the physical demands of jumping. By gradually increasing the intensity of our riding, we can help to prevent injury and ensure that our horse is ready to perform at their best.

In addition to walk, trot, and canter, we can also incorporate stretching exercises into our warm-up routine. This can include exercises such as leg stretches, neck stretches, and back stretches.

By taking the time to properly warm up our horse, we can help to prevent injury and ensure that they are ready to perform at their best. So, before attempting to jump, make sure to spend ample time practicing at the trot and canter, and to warm up thoroughly.

Rider’s Position for Jumping

When it comes to jumping, the rider’s position is crucial for maintaining balance and control while clearing the jump. In this section, we will discuss the key elements of the rider’s position for jumping.

Two Point Position

The two point position, also known as the jump position, is the position the rider assumes when approaching and clearing a jump. In this position, the rider has two points of contact with the horse: both legs. The rider’s butt is not a point of contact. To achieve the two point position, the rider should bend at the waist and bring their chest forward while keeping their shoulders back. The rider’s hands should be placed on the horse’s neck, but not leaned on. The position should be practiced at a walk, trot, and canter.

Stirrups Adjustment

For jumping, the rider’s stirrups should be shorter than they would be for flat work. A good rule of thumb is that for jumping, the stirrup should hit the ankle bone if the foot is out of the stirrup. This allows for a nice bend in the knee, which is important for maintaining balance and mobility while jumping.

Legs Position

The rider’s legs should still maintain a heel under the hip, even when leaning forward out of the saddle. The rider should also keep a bend in their knee. The rider should pick their butt out of the saddle, but not stand up completely. The two points of contact in this position are both legs.

Waist Position

The rider’s waist should be closed, with the chest brought forward and the shoulders back. The rider should not be laying on the horse’s neck, but rather closing the angle of their waist. This position helps the rider maintain balance and control over the jump.

Hands Position

The rider’s hands should be placed on the horse’s neck, but not leaned on. The rider should bring their hands up to the mid-neck of the horse and rest them there. The rider should not be leaning on their hands, as this can cause the horse to drop their head and the rider to fall off. The hands position helps the rider maintain the chest forward bend at the waist.

In summary, the rider’s position for jumping is crucial for maintaining balance and control while clearing the jump. The two point position, stirrups adjustment, legs position, waist position, and hands position are all important elements to consider and practice. By mastering these elements, the rider can feel more secure and confident while jumping.

Practicing the Jump Position

When it comes to jumping, one of the most important positions to master is the two-point position. This position is also known as the jump position, and it involves having two points of contact with the horse: your two legs. In this position, your butt is not a point of contact, and you are leaning forward out of the saddle.

To get into the two-point position, you need to start by shortening your stirrups. A good rule of thumb is to have your stirrup hit your ankle bone when your foot is out of the stirrup. This will give you a nice bend in your knee and allow you the mobility you need to get out of the saddle when you’re jumping.

Once you have your stirrups adjusted, you need to focus on your leg position. You still want your heel to stay under your hip, even when you’re leaning forward out of the saddle. You also want to keep a bend in your knee, as this will help you maintain your balance and control.

The next part of the two-point position to focus on is your waist. You want to bring your chest forward, while still keeping your shoulders back. This will help you maintain your balance and control over the horse.

Finally, you need to focus on your hand position. You can bring your hands up to the mid-neck of your horse and rest them on the neck. This will help you maintain your chest forward bend at the waist, while still keeping your shoulders back.

To practice the two-point position, start by walking, trotting, and cantering in this position. This will help you develop the independent seat you need for jumping and strengthen the muscles you need to be more secure over the jump.

Overall, mastering the two-point position is essential for anyone who wants to start jumping their horse. By practicing this position and focusing on your stirrups, leg position, waist position, and hand position, you can become a more confident and skilled jumper.

Starting to Jump

If you’re new to jumping, it can be an exciting but intimidating experience. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of how to start jumping your horse. We’ll discuss what you need to get started, the rider’s position, and how to approach the jump.

Using a Cross Rail

When starting out, it’s best to begin with a cross rail. The center of the cross rail is the lowest point, making it more inviting for the horse to go through the center. As a new jumper, you don’t have to worry as much about steering. You can let the horse go through the middle.

Approaching the Jump in Two Point

Before you start jumping, you want to make sure you’re comfortable at the trot and canter first. Once you feel secure at those gaits, you can start practicing the jump position, also known as the two-point position. This position is called the two-point because there are two points of contact with the horse when you’re in this position. Your two points of contact are both of your legs.

To get into the two-point position, you’ll want to:

• Shorten your stirrups so that they hit your ankle bone if your foot is out of the stirrup.
• Keep your heel under your hip, even when you’re leaning forward out of the saddle.
• Bend your knees and pick your butt out of the saddle.
• Close your waist and bring your chest forward while keeping your shoulders back.
• Rest your hands on the mid-neck of your horse.

Practicing your two-point at a walk, trot, and canter will help you get the independent seat you need for jumping. It will also help you strengthen the muscles you need to be more secure over the jump.

Approaching the Jump from a Post Trot

Once you feel comfortable with the two-point position, you can start practicing approaching the jump from a post trot. This means you’ll post normally up to the jump and then get into your two-point position at the jump.

Remember to keep your waist closed and your hands on the mid-neck of your horse. This will help you maintain your chest-forward bend at the waist. You don’t want to lean on your horse’s neck or drop your shoulders.

Cantering the Jumps

When you’re ready to canter the jumps, it’s best to start in your two-point position. This way, you’re already in a solid position, and you don’t have to worry about adjusting your position when your horse takes off.

If you’re jumping big jumps, cantering can give your horse more momentum. However, it can be initially tricky because you have to worry about your horse’s stride to the jump and where your horse is taking off. But don’t worry, your instructor can introduce you to this and give you more advice.

Remember to always look up and past your jump, grab mane if necessary, fold your elbows in when bending at your waist, and widen your hands at your approach to give your horse more confidence and to keep them from running out.

By following these tips and practicing the rider’s position, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and skilled jumper.

Helpful Jumping Tips

As we continue to explore the exciting world of jumping, we want to share some helpful tips that we’ve learned along the way. These tips will help you feel more secure in the saddle and more confident in your jumping abilities.

Looking Up and Past the Jump

One of the most important things to remember when jumping is to always look up and past the jump. By looking through the center of the jump and out past it, you’ll communicate confidence to your horse. It will also help you find your stride and avoid catching your horse in the mouth. If you’re looking down at the jump as you approach it, your horse will sense your lack of confidence and may become hesitant or unsure.

Grabbing the Mane

Another helpful tip when jumping is to grab mane. If your horse takes off awkwardly or you get flung back in the saddle, grabbing mane can help you maintain your position and avoid pulling on your horse’s mouth. It’s a simple and effective way to secure yourself in the saddle and stay safe while jumping.

Folding Elbows In

To improve your equitation when jumping, it’s important to fold your elbows in when you’re bending at your waist. This will help you maintain your balance and secure your position over the jump. By folding your elbows in, you’ll avoid leaning too much on your horse’s neck and communicate confidence and control to your horse.

Widening Hands at Approach

If you’re riding a pesky lesson horse that has a tendency to run out of a jump or stop, widening your hands at the approach can help give your horse more confidence and prevent them from running out. By widening your hands, you’ll create a block that will encourage your horse to stay on track and approach the jump with more confidence. This simple technique can make a big difference in your jumping success.

In summary, these helpful jumping tips will help you improve your position, communicate confidence to your horse, and stay safe while jumping. Remember to look up and past the jump, grab mane when necessary, fold your elbows in, and widen your hands at the approach to give your horse more confidence. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the exciting world of jumping!