Posted by Katie That's excellent news! Thanks for updating us - I'm sure Sandy will be very pleased to read this! Even though your first cross-rail will be very low (it might even be resting on the ground, instead of in jump cups), the basics of equitation are all the same. Try to keep your heels low, but do not brace your legs forward (by forcing your heels down). Your knees should have a slight bend in them to help absorb the impact from a horse who takes a bigger step to clear the cross-rail. Also remember to keep your eyes up and looking ahead. It helps to focus on something, like your coach or a friend at the other end of the ring, a sign in the arena, etc.. Once you start practicing over more then 1 cross-rail, your coach will probably have you looking towards the next cross-rail before you approach it. This helps line your horse up to the next obstacle. Your hands are also very important. They must follow the horses head so that you don't accidently jab them in the mouth with your reins or the bit. 'Following hands' is a very important part of jumping, but it can be tricky for the first while. Your coach will most likely have you practice something called a "release" as you approach and go over the cross-rail. In the simplest terms, you move your hands forward and up the horses neck slightly and set them there. When the horse jumps, the reins are already loose so he won't get hit in the mouth with the bit if you become unsteady. Since your hands will also be planted firmly midway up the horses neck, it also provides more support for your position. You can even try grabbing a handful of mane to help steady yourself... and don't worry, it does not hurt the horse. Your coach will also give you more advice before attempting your first cross-rail, and should have pointers afterwards to help you along. You'll do fine - just relax and have fun! Katie
on 8/28/2006, 10:47 pm, in reply to "RE: When is a rider ready to learn to jump?"
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Luisa,
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