When a horse and rider clear
a fence, there are five stages which the horse goes through to jump it.
The five stages are-
the approach : horse trotting
or cantering towards the jump
the takeoff : the horse
lifting up its fore-legs over the jump
the time in midair : all
four legs off the ground with horse over the middle of the jump
the landing : the horse
makes contact with the ground after the jump
the getaway : horse trotting
or cantering away from the jump
There are different ways
of riding the stages of the jump.
The approach:
Approaching a jump should
be done in trot or canter. The pace should be steady, but forward and not
rushed. When approaching the jump, you should make sure that the horse
is paying attention to the jump and that he knows it is there. Your upper
body should be slightly leaning forward, but your seat still in contact
with the saddle, your legs should be on, acting as a wall so the horse
approaches straight and your calfs wrapped around the horses belly. Keep
your hands just above the wither and make sure you are not burying your
hands in the neck (as this could throw the horse off balance).
The takeoff:
Just before the takeoff,
a half halt should be applied. Slide your hands up the horses neck and
go into the suspended position (keeping your thumbs on top). Keep both
your legs on and aim for the middle of the jump. DO
NOT drop the reins right infront of the jump, thinking he can just
do the rest and DO NOT think that the horse
will just go straight over it, always be prepared for a refusal, if it
happens.
The time in midair:
When in the air, DO
NOT look down, as this could throw the horse completely off balance,
look for the next jump, or at something in the distance. Keep your heels
down and be prepared for the landing, so that you don't jag your horse
in the mouth, or fall back into the saddle.
The landing:
As mentioned above, make
sure you do not jag your horse in the mouth a fall back in the saddle.
To avoid this, before the jump, grab a chunk of mane. When the horse has
landed, put both your legs on and make sure the horse goes straight after
the jump, and not veering to the left or something like that.
The getaway:
Your horse should be taught
to canter after the jump, so that he is not sluggish over the next jump.
If he is not already cantering after it, then put him into canter and give
another half halt. Slide your hand back to their normal position and gently
return your upper body and seat into the position you had just before the
jump. Look ahead onto the next jump, and repeat the same process over that
one.
