How to keep balance on a horse with a powerful jump

Almost any equestrian (and not only) is fascinated by horses with incredibly technical, as well as powerful and “explosive” jumps. They seem to hover above the barriers. Genuine admiration is caused by riders performing on such horses. Maintaining balance and balance is real magic!

Or not? It is really very difficult to look spectacular, beautiful and aesthetically pleasing during a powerful jump. But probably!

Photo: Heloise Thebault

Here are some tips and tricks from the FEI to help you learn to sit beautifully while jumping even on the largest horses:

1. A stable lower leg (knee to heel) and good balance are the keys to a safe jumping position.

The wrong length of stirrups will not be felt much on low hurdles or on horses with a more “economical” jump. But the higher the barrier and the more powerful the horse, the more important the right length of stirrups becomes.

Some show jumpers recommend shortening the stirrups by as much as 4 holes as the hurdle rises in height to stabilize the knee-to-heel section of the leg and prevent it from “bouncing” out of the saddle while jumping.

2. In passages and systems, you should coordinate your landing before entering them – this way you will have a better chance of maintaining balance and balance at the time of several jumps in a row. You shouldn’t stress. Keep your back straight, chest open so you can follow the horse’s movements freely. Your weight should be on your heels and your leg clearly under your body.

Quite a few riders prefer to bring the shin to the horse’s elbow when approaching the barrier to compensate for the tendency of the lower leg to lean too far back during the jump. This can actually be useful, but only if you manage to maintain a level footing.

Otherwise, your shoulders will pull you back during the jump, which can lead to a complete loss of balance and a fall.

Instead, just try touching the girth with your feet.

3. Another common mistake: riders, knowing about the power of their horse, sit back too much before jumping and pull the horse’s head behind them with their hands. Sometimes this movement looks quite constrained and can lead to unpleasant consequences, such as a fall.

The best solution to this problem is the keys. They will help you “catch” balance and balance, as well as teach you how to maintain a fit and stabilize the body without unnecessary strain.

4. The most famous way to strengthen the landing, no matter how trite it may sound, is riding without stirrups. Perhaps one of the scariest phrases in training for any athlete: “Drop the stirrups!”, But it really works.

Working at low altitudes and “gymnastics” without stirrups will help you develop proper musculature and a sense of balance, which will reflect well on your posture.

5. And finally, if you are not sure about your position, you can always put on an underskirt so that you can grab it at the moment of the jump. Or just grab the mane. And this is much better than pulling the horse by the mouth or falling.

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