1. You should shorten your stirrups a hole or two ( I shorten mine 3 holes ! ) before jumping. This lets you bring your body weight forward so you can stay over your horses center of balance throughout the jump.

2. you should always practice jumping position even when you're not jumping. Do it for five minutes or so at a time. It will strengthen your legs and make you a better jumper. It’s not the most fun, but you get use to it.

3. If your horse usually runs out on one side of the jump carry a whip on that side and tap him as you approach the fence, it should help.

4. Always aim for the center of the fence. This will give your horse less chance to run out.

5. Try to be calm while coming up to the jump. If you are scared your horse will know. If he thinks you are frightened to jump the fence, he probably won't want to jump it either.

6. Remember to push your hands forward when going over a fence. Rest your hands about 8 - 10 inches in front of the saddle and rest them on your horses neck ( until you have the balance that you don't need the necks support ). Doing this makes the reins looser and you won't jab your horse in the mouth if you get left behind the motion. Pushing your hands forward is something called a "quick release"

7. Don't duck ! Ducking is when riders lean to one side or look down when jumping. This is a very bad habit and can make your horse jump badly. If you think you do this a lot have you instructor or a friend watch you ride and tell you if you do this or not.

8. After jumping a fence don't let your horse slow down or slam on the breaks. Keep him going at a trot or canter until you are away from the jump and you ask him to slow down ( if you let him slow after the jump when ever he wants you may have some big problems. You wouldn't want your horse slowing to a walk after every fence in a show now would you ).

9. When you are jumping a single fence, alternate directions you go after the jump. Turn left than right . This stops your horse from getting bored.

10. Don't jump the same fence a million times. Your horse will get bored and he might start refusing. If you only have a few jumps in your field ( or where ever you use them ) try moving them around and dressing them up with tires, buckets. flowers and other things.

Well that's all the hints for now ! If you have a hint that could be help full please send them in to me at knowyourhorse@hotmail.com .