Jumping in horseback riding

Answer 1

Jumping horses is very advanced. first of all, you need to be in jumping position (your butt out of the saddle and your whole body moved forward. hands should be near the horses ears and reins tightened) for smaller jumps 1-2 feet, you should be in a half-seat (sitting straight up but standing up in your stirrups, like a smaller jumping position. for bigger jumps you need to completely fold until your stomach reaches the horses neck. your thighs and lower leg need to be very firm and tight. your shoulder blades need to be together. lower leg should be back. look straight ahead. heels need to be down and toes in. squeeze with your legs before the jump, during the jump, and after the jump to keep your horse moving. if horse is a bit on the lazy side, carry a crop and use it if necessary. do not let your horse be in control, that's when horseback riding becomes dangerous. if horse hesitates uncertainly before jump encourage them forward with legs. start with trot polls, then increase the height as you get better. if cantering a jump, pace out the jumps first and then count your leads so you know when to take off. always be supervised! have fun!