What is it like to canter over a jump?

Question

I have never ever cantered over a jump yet. I have only ever trotted over a jump before. I am really scared and i don't know how to brace myself for it!

P.S i really need to know because i am going to do it this saturday. Really scared!

thanx alot

Answer 1

you will be happy to know that it is wayyyyyyyyy easier than trotting a fence.  you dont have all the time to have silly thoughts come into your head ...it just flows so much better.  it is much smoother and feels way better than the trot.  you will love it!!! i am sure your trainer wouldnt be letting you move up to this level if u werent ready.  2 things that will really help you, til u r used to it.  make sure to really think about driving your heals down...........i mean way down!!!! it will anchor u to the horse better.  also, make sure you grab a big piece of mane with your fingers, and hang on good and tight to the mane not the reins.  you wont fall off, dont be afraid:)

it is just way easier than trotting a jump, you'll see!!!

ps. you will get alot more responses, and more information on ya's pets ...go to horses.

lots of people there, who are interested in regular non-racing type riding.

Answer 2

its awesome, like flying.  dont worry about s******g up, you'll be so in the moment that everything u have learned will come naturally, just sink your weight into the sturrips and get in jumping position.  goodluck!!!

Answer 3

Don't be scared.  It's great!  Cantering a fence is a lot smoother than trotting a fence.  A jump is a canter stride.  Trotting jumps is harder because you have to deal with posting on the way to the jump and you don't really know on which step the horse will leave... a lot of times at the trot the horse could leave either when his left leg goes forward or when his right leg goes forward, so there's some guessing about if the horse is going to leave the ground.  At the canter, you don't have that problem.  The horse will canter toward the jump, when it gets to the jump, the front legs will land, the back legs will come up under the horse as the horse rocks back and you go to your 2-point, then the horse will hop over the jump and continue cantering.  It's a lot easier than trotting the jump, trust me.

I agree with everything the first answer said.  Your instructor wouldn't let you do it if you weren't ready and your instructor will give you a good safe horse to ride for your first time cantering jumps.  No one will let you get hurt.  Just stay in the center of the horse, feel the rhythm of the horse's canter and when you get to the jump, keep your heels down and let your shoulders come forward into your 2-point.  It's really easy.  You might be a little scared for the first time, but once you jump a couple fences you'll realize how fun it is and you'll love it!

Answer 4

it acually goes much faster than you think...you just have to be in the right postion and it will all turn out fine. oh...and the landing can be a little havy, but dont lean foward too much or back too much...good luck