Canter...JUMP?

[Shemmyboy]

Hey does anyone have any tips on jumping at the canter? I just started that and it feels like I'm either jumping 3 feet or falling off!
PLEEESE help!!!!:agree: :D
Shemmyboy:flake:

[PyscoFalcon]

Sit deep into the seat on approch, Lean forward on take off, lean back and give with the reins on landing and sit deep in the saddle and gasther reins back up on get away.

[MagnoliaFly]

There was an article in Practical Horseman that had a good practice circle for a canter. You set up a circle using cones and a jump (set to the height your used to jumping at), I think it was 50 meters, and when you hit certain cones you would first settle yourself in the saddle and breathe, look at your jump and then put yourself in two-point to coast over the jump and begin again.

Cantering over jumps is something that you can only get used to when doing it. Sometimes it's easier if you canter over some ground poles set as a course before actually jumping them, it prepares your mind to get used to the speed and when to get into two point. Just remember to breathe and dont tense up, your horse can feel it.

[Shemmyboy]

cool guys!:D Thanks! I'll try that!
thanks again!:angel2:

[MagnoliaFly]

Practice cantering alot before you even attempt jumping at the canter. If you arent comfortable cantering on your horse yet, you certainly arent going to be comfortable jumping at the canter. Do alot of flat work at the canter both in the 3 point (sitting tall) and the two point so your muscles can get used to supporting your body at the gait.

[GuineaPigGrrrl]

OO I have the perfect exercise for you to try it's really hard though...
It's called the circle of torcher. You start out with caveletti or even ground poles if u want and you have to canter on a 20 meter circle over these jumps these jumps are at 12 o clock 3 o clock 6 o clock and 9 o clock (if u think of the circle as a clock face you will see what i mean) and you must stay at a canter over them it is a very hard exersize and the jumps may be risen if you and your horse are doing good. Try it tons of fun!
cj

[appaloosahunter]

it's really hard though...

i just want to note...that the excersise you (guineapiggrrrl) described, should NOT be hard for you and your horse, if it is you should really go back to basics on turning and such.

20 meter circles should be easy if your ready to jump 20 meter circles, or even jump for that matter. it was one of the first things i learned going into jumping so yeah. anyway, just my comment

[MagnoliaFly]

appaloosa the whole point of lessons is to constantly challenge your skills to build on them. A new variable, such as the 20 meter circle may help in her turning skills while jumping and I think its a great thing that her trainer did to put that in her lessons. Dont judge people on their skills if they say a certain excercise is hard, it just may mean they're working on it because its a new challenge.

[appaloosahunter]

you are right. but what i'm saying is that if a 20 meter circle is hard, then she shouldn't be jumping a 20 meter circle. however i WAS quick to judge and maybe a 20 meter circle isn't hard for her or what not. sorry magnolia and sorry guineapiggrrrl

[Shemmyboy]

hey dont fight guys...
Anyway, cause you helped me with that, I went to a horse show and did pretty well, considering I'm 11 and all the other contestants were like 20 and some like 18-19!(except another girl who absolutely flunked the dressage test) Thanks you all!
:heart: :flower:

[Nirvana 4 Ever]

Landing on the right lead always helps. (kinda... shift your shoulder to the inside) oh and come in straight at the middle! start off with small jumps :) Good luck!