Experienced show jumper and trainer Carol Mailer helps riders to improve their performance. Here she highlights the most common mistakes people make, often leading to an unbalanced horse, unbalanced rider, or both.
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THROWING AWAY THE REINS
Problem Many people are taught to reach for their horse’s ears over a fence. This helps protect the horse’s mouth from inexperienced riders but throwing away the reins will cause you to lose all the impulsion you had coming into the fence, and the horse is unlikely to get enough lift to clear the obstacle.
Top tip Once you are capable of remaining stable over a fence, you should try to maintain a consistent contact. |
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LOOKING DOWN
Problem Looking down will cause you to tip forward. Your weight will then be over the horse’s shoulder as you approach the fence. Your horse won’t be able to lift properly over the jump.
Top tip Look up, fixing your eyes on something in the distance. Your weight will hang in the stirrups, your position will be much more stable and your horse will be able to use his body freely over the fence. |
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TERRIBLE TOES
Problem I often see otherwise competent riders coming into fences with their weight in their toes. If your weight is in your toes rather than your heels, you’ll be unstable over the fence and are more likely to become unseated if the horse puts in an unexpected stop.
Top tip Your heels should be down, your toes in, and your feet should be parallel to the sides of the horse. |
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FOLDING TOO SOON
Problem When you’re a bit over-eager coming into the fence and fold too soon, your legs will swing back and then swing forward on landing. This will throw both of you off balance.
Top tip Sink into your horse’s back and follow his movements rather than trying to pre-empt them. Allow the jump to come to you, and let your horse operate underneath you. |
