As you begin training, ensure that your horse’s jumping equipment is kept tidy, like a wall caddy, and check your horse’s jumping capabilities. The first phase of jumping a fence is removing the ground pole closest to the fence. Maintaining your rhythm, balance, and tempo throughout this phase is important. You should also remember to lean back on the approach.
Lean Back On The Approach
Leaning back on the approach when jumping a horse is an important part of your riding technique. While most people lean forward while approaching a jump, leaning back on the approach will prevent your lower leg from being pushed into the horse’s flanks. This will allow you to remain balanced and maintain control of your horse.
Throw Yourself Forward At Takeoff
Before throwing yourself forward at takeoff, you must first feel your horse’s interest. It is best to let the horse make the last few strides before jumping. Some horses are better at this than others. While you must not decide for your horse, you can quietly convey the direction you wish to land.
Your front legs set the trajectory for the jump, but you must also be aware that some horses push off with their front feet.
Balance And Rhythm
When training your horse to jump, balance and rhythm are vital elements to success. Good rhythm is a skill that can be learned and maintained over time. You should start by working on the basics.
Your horse must be relaxed, and the rider must remain balanced with the animal to jump properly. This is crucial for creating a connection. Your horse’s age, training, and temperament play a large part in his ability to accept your aids. For example, a hot horse can be tense and likely to respond negatively to leg aids. This can lead to a weakened connection between horse and rider. When jumping, use your legs to redirect the horse’s natural energy and avoid overriding it.
Counting Strides To The Fence
Counting strides to the fence when riding a horse is a great way to ensure you stay in rhythm and balance while jumping. Many riders don’t remember to do this when they are jumping. Knowing the correct strides locks them in your brain and will help you adjust your canter. It’s also a great way to stay balanced when riding with a group of riders.
Counting strides to the fence will also help you gauge the distance and line of your jump. This can prevent you from missing the fence by coming around the turn too wide or narrow. It can also prevent you from chipping in on the fence, which can be very uncomfortable for the horse and rider.
Thrust
In equestrian events, the last stride of a jump is known as the takeoff phase. In this phase, the horse’s hindquarters and fetlock joints flex and engage, creating a compressed force that can push off a horse in the air. As the horse’s hindquarters are flexed, the forelegs will fold behind the horse’s body, and the forehand will rise from the ground. This phase is vital, as the horse’s scope will be compromised if the muscles are not fully engaged.
The angle at which the hind legs push the horse’s body will vary according to the jump size. The most effective takeoff trajectory will allow a horse to take advantage of forwarding momentum to push itself over the jump.