A common phrase in the equestrian world is that jumping is flat work with speed-bumps. And it's true- without a solid position on the flat you will never produce the results you would like when jumping a course. Jumping is fun, yes, but when you jump all of your position errors are emphasized, and those errors can be very dangerous to both you and your horse.
Common example: many riders think that if they can walk, trot and canter semi-functionally, then they are ready to jump. However, being able to walk, trot and canter isn't enough. The rider must be BALANCED, with a strong position and a steady flow of weight into their legs. Remember my two point position post? If not, have a read through it. The position that I talk about, the ideal two point position, can only be obtained by a balanced rider with a solid foundation on the flat. Without a solid two point position, your jumping is seriously compromised, and the way to gain that position is going back to flat work.
Common errors in rider's jumping positions:
- The swinging leg: if, when you go over a jump, your leg swings backwards, go back to the flat. Chances are, when you canter on the flat, your leg swings as well. You may also be bracing against the stirrup when you jump, causing your leg to go backwards. All of these things mean that you have a weak leg. If you continue jumping with a weak, swinging leg, you could really hurt yourself or your horse, especially when the jumps get bigger. To fix this problem and strengthen your leg, do lots of no stirrup work. Do lots of two point on the flat as well, really making your weight flow down into your heels.
- Hanging onto the mouth: some inexperienced riders tend to pull on their horses mouth as they go over the jump, bracing on the horses mouth to balance. What this means is that they are an unbalanced rider. They cannot balance themselves through their seat and their legs, so instead they hang onto their horses mouth to stay on the horse. To fix this problem, go back to the flat. Do lots of flat work until you have an independent seat and you don't need to use your horse to balance. You can also take lunge lessons with no reins, which will really teach you to balance with just your seat.
- The big bang: if you suffer from "the big bang" (fantastic name, I know) it means that you'll go into two point just fine when your horse goes over the jump, but when he lands, you'll land heavily on his back with a big bang. It's unpleasant for both you and your horse, and it means that all your weight is in your seat instead of in your heels. To fix this problem, go back to the flat (are you noticing a common theme here?). Really work on getting your weight into your feet and getting your heels down. A good exercise for this is to do two point on the flat.
Basically, what I'm trying to say with all this is that flat work is important. Don't dismiss flat work once you start jumping and just jump every time you get on your horse. Save some time for flat work too- yes, it doesn't give the same thrill as jumping, but it is important nonetheless. If you don't have clean transitions, a good position, clear, effective aids and impulsion on the flat, then when you jump you really won't get the same results as a rider that does. Take some dressage lessons, work on your position, and then go back to jumping and you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Thanks for dealing with my semi-rant, and sorry for not posting, like, at all. I've been really busy with school and riding and just life in general, so while I might not post as much, I promise I'll come back every once in a while to make a little post :)
