How to Hold Your Position Over a Jump on a Horse

Many newcomers to the sport of horseback riding want to learn how to jump over fences and obstacles. Jumping is one of the most exciting and challenging equine events because it requires a high level of skill from the rider as well as a willingness to take risks. Before riders can even consider entering a jumping competition, they must learn to hold their position in the saddle over jumps. Failure to remain in the proper position while jumping a horse can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Things You'll Need

  • Horse
  • English Saddle
  • Jumps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice maintaining the two-point position while performing flat work in the arena and round pen. The two-point is the position used for jumping. It involves leaning forward and lifting your body out of the saddle and off the horse's back slightly while maintaining correct and stable leg position. You will also slide your hands forward on the horse's neck. Practice the two-point while working in all gaits until you can maintain your position and control your horse from the two point regardless of what task you are trying to accomplish.

    • 2

      Maintain the two-point while walking, trotting, cantering and hand-galloping without stirrups on the flat. You should not depend on your horse's mouth for balance, if this is an issue, have a friend lunge your horse from the ground while you ride in a round pen without stirrups or a bridle until you can maintain your position solely using your own muscles. Continue practicing until you can competently maintain your position at all gaits.

    • 3

      Practice riding your horse over jumps and obstacles. Start off with ground poles and gradually work your way up through cross rails and other jumps. If your position becomes unstable at a certain jump height or type of jump, you need to practice that jump until you master it. Continue practicing until your position is stable for both the height of fence you want to jump and the speed at which you are jumping.