How to Jump a Horse

Jumping a horse may seem hard, but it can actually be easier than it looks. Jumping horses is great fun(unless your horse goes crazy and decides to buck you off at the approach of the fence and you fall on your head and your head cracks open and you die), but it can also be dangerous. This article will teach you how to jump and prepare for your first jump.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a horse(obviously)
• a SEI/ATSM helmet
• riding gloves
• a whip(if your horse is lazy)
• boots with a 1-1.5" heel
• proper riding tack
• a simple fence, a cross-rail
• a safe arena to ride in

1. Get you and your horse warmed up. Walk, trot, and canter for about 30 minutes. Then shorten your stirrups one or two holes.

2. Lay out some poles and walk, trot and canter over them. Yes, I know it's boring but it helps you understand how to approach a fence, and it keeps your horse supple. Also practice your two-point position(stand up in stirrups, jam heels down, lean forward. hands out in front of you, on horse's neck, look forward)

3. Make sure your horse is really moving forward at a trot when you approach your fence. Look forward and keep your heels down.

4. The Approach: Keep your horse moving. As you approach the fence, go into two point position. You will know when to go into two point as you move towards it. If your horse happens to be VERY lazy, tap him sharply with the whip right before the fence, so he won't refuse it.

5. Stay in two point as the horse jumps, moving your hands forward a bit to prepare for landing. Keep your heels down! A tempting as it may be, do not look down. Your head is the heaviest part of your body, and moving it will make you lose your balance.

6. Landing: Stay in two point position, and give the horse his head.

7. Some horses will automatically start cantering after landing. Stay in two point for a few strides, then sit down. Continue to stay in two point if your horse trots, for a few strides.

Tips & Warnings

• If your horse refuses the fence, put the poles together on the ground and trot and canter over it to regain his confidence.
• Use bright colors for your poles, because green or natural colored wood will be hard for a horse to see.
• Learn the two point position before you jump.
• Ride with an experienced rider so he/she can help you out.
• Wear a body protector for maximum protection.
• Ride a experienced, mellow, and old school horse.
• ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET!!!!!!!
• It's important to learn how to jump in a safe enclosed arena.

[hjeluvr123]

on 6/17/2008 no...just no...