Re: The Jumping Position
put your weight in your stirrups, you dont need to leave the saddle by miles, just shift your weight so more is in the stirrups than your seat. Keep your heels down but not tense as you need them to absorb the shock of landing.
Your lower leg is where you security comes from, this is the part of you its most important to control. Try to keep them still over the jump but dont lock them as they need to flex, dont ram your legs forward as if the horse takes off long they'll be of no use to you going with him and getting your weight of his back, but they do need to be more forward than if you were on the flat, on the girth rather than just behind.
As for folding, dont stress too much about it at first as you are only going to be jumping small. bring your shoulders a bit in front of you hips and go with the horses movement, dont stand bolt upright as you'll hinder your horse and affect his balance. You fold more as teh jumps get higher, but you can get to over 3ft with only a slight fold as long as your in balance and dont yank the horses mouth out.
Give with your hands, dont shove you hands to his ears but remeber his mouth is just as sensitive as yours so bear that in mind, if you think your going to pull his mouth hard, just slip your reins over the fence.
HOpe that helps. It'll be tough at first but no matter what practice makes perfect :D just keep trying. No one is perfect at first.
YOur instructor should help you and tell you how to improve. enjoy!