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Discussion on Quick questions on english riding
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Member:
cometrdr
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Posted on Monday, Mar 21, 2011 - 2:30 pm:
silly questions never the less two silly ones....
ok when you jump should you rise out of the saddle some and urge your horse forward in a 2 Point position? or sit square and just move your upper body in the forward position over the jump?
second even sillier question -
on the canter is it the outside *on the rail leg that is forward on the canter or the Inside leg that is froward on the canter in an arena? my friend and I have a running argument on this - and i am not telling you what i think it should be incase I am wrong :-)
thanks
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Member:
lynnland
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Posted on Monday, Mar 21, 2011 - 4:15 pm:
Hi Muffy,
I can help you out here. I have been riding hunters and jumpers for over 20 years. So...in layman's terms:
Starting with the second question. The leading leg at the canter should be the inside leg. So, on a circle to the right that would be the right front. You will notice very quickly if you are on the wrong lead on a tight turn, it will feel very awkward and your horse will likely not be able to bend it's body around the turn but will probably need to put it's head and neck to the outside for balance.
Now, the jumping question. My answer is: neither. The two-point position gives you a lighter seat and a slightly more forward upper body which can help you follow your horse and stay in balance over the jump. Once you can ride in a nice balanced two point, don't change a thing and go to the jump. Allow your hands and shoulders to follow the motion but don't (I repeat: don't) move your body. Let the horse's jump fold your knees and hips like a hinge then allow the angles to open again on the landing. Stay in that light seat as you move away from the jump. Many jumper riders move from a two-point to a full seat as needed. Never throw your shoulders at the base of a jump as you will unbalance your horse and set yourself up for a fall if the horse takes a mis-step or stops (which you are encouraging him to do by unbalancing him).
Hope that is useful.
Lynn
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