Am I too far forward in this jump?

Question

Now, it seems like we have gotten better since this show, but my mom pointed out that, in both of these pictures, I am far forward in the saddle. The second one is harder too see. See the pictures below and critique me on my position- not too mean, please.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/kool_kat_37/DSC_0232.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/kool_kat_37/041208128.jpg

Those are actually at 2 different shows- the 1st show was more recent. Please answer. :)

Answer 1

OK I won't be mean..

You are too far forward in the first pic. Your crotch should never be infront of the pommel of the saddle. Staying back might also help your arms relax, as it looks tense on his mouth. You need to put your butt back, and flatten your back out..it's a bit roached (rounded). Your leg and heel are nice though!

Answer 2

Yeah, I'd say you are a bit far forward...but I've seen worse!  Just try pushing your hands forward a bit more, into more of a release, instead of your whole body.  On the plus side, your eyes are up and your heels are down...both very common flaws that you don't have!

Answer 3

yup. when you go over a jump, try and push your hips back toward your horses tail.  Also, try lifting your chin and opening your chest to get the roach out of your back.

Answer 4

Ya u r def too far forward...just relax and let the horses thrust push u up into a jumping position. Your pony looks quite lovely tho!!!

Answer 5

Yes you are. i would work on no sturrip work over fences. I would also work on you crest release. u dont look like u are grabbing mane far enough forward. I would also work on your arch, you are to rounded. strech up like you are a princess and your dress will fall down if you colaspe. Thats it i think im not trying to be mean i get like that cause my mom is a trainer

your pony is so cute I hope i helped

Answer 6

Yes.

You are balancing with your upper body, and you leg is falling back and has no strength. If that horse stopped, you would be flying over.

Your hands are tight over this photo, and it shows in the horses face and mouth.

Remember that over a jump, you are like a folding chair. You shouldn't go ahead or back, just fold from your hip over the jump.

I suggest doing a lot of dressage, working on your hands and seat. Work on correct two point.

You are also pinching with your knees, which means you need to work on calve strenght. Work on opening your shoulders so your horse is more open over the jump.

If you fix your tightness problems, and your jump position, your horse will be more relaxed and have a better jump, and his expression will change.

Your foot is also too far forward in the stirrup. Again, working on correct two point will help.

Your crest release isn't good because you are bracing, which is not enabling your horse to jump correctly.

Think of every part of your body being seperate, but working as one. Dressage work will immensly help you.

Edit: You may think you have strong legs, but you don't have strong legs in the correct position.

I see many people with good legs, but in the wrong position. It is hard to keep them there, so you need to work on it to help your horse jump correctly.

With no stirrups, hold your arms out, palms up. Put you calves on the girth, and go SLOWLY down to the mane with your chin. Do this everyday, and after a week, use stirrups. When coming up, try to keep your legs from slipping back.

Answer 7

There are three problems with your position over this jump.  1) You are too far forward, 2) your back is rounded, and 3) you're hanging on your horse's mouth.  All three of these are a result of a loose lower leg.  You need to ride more without stirrups - I recommend 5-10 minutes a day at the walk and trot first and then moving on to canter and jumping as your balance gets better.  Good luck!

Answer 8

cute pony!

although im not a hunter, try not folding over the jump soo much. and give a bigger release. other than that, great position!

Answer 9

no i dont think u are the biger the jump the  lean forward

no that is good

as long as u felt confoble on the jump

u did it right

and it looks like u holding your breth

Answer 10

You are to far foward and nee to push your hands futher up your horses neck as you relase.

Answer 11

Yes, you do look like you're leaning too far forward. Try just getting up into your two point, and releasing up the neck, the horse will do the rest for you.

Answer 12

It seems you are but practice makes perfect :)

Answer 13

yes you are a little bit too far forward for the release and the size of the jump that you were going over. You need to straighten your shoulders more a bit cause you are roaching them and you need to push your bottom back in the saddle because your hips are going to far forwards over the cantle of the saddle. they should be centered with your leg position which also slid back as a result of your hips and back being off center.