British sports horse producer Bex Mason has worked for many years
breaking in horses and competing at an international level - here, she shares
some tips for honing your position, when tackling gymnastic jumping exercises
The first question to answer here is: ‘What is gymnastic
jumping’? I use this term to describe a range of activities (mainly ridden,
however you can of course do pole work and cavaletti work on the lunge) aiming
to improve a horse or pony’s balance, athleticism and flexibility. Gymnastic
jumping commonly means grid work, e.g. a row of fences in the riding arena; it
helps develop a quick-thinking horse, and is very useful to develop rhythm and
calmness in a horse or pony that rushes.
One of the best uses of grid-work is helping the horse and
rider learn how to adapt their stride in a given space; for example, you may
have two fences laid out at five (canter) strides apart, that can also be
ridden ‘longer’ for four strides, or ‘shorter’ for six. For four strides,
you’re ‘riding on’, and for six, you’re collecting the horse, but still with
good impulsion. That exercise described here is a good example of using the
grid to aid the horse’s capabilities and performance - but grids are also
useful for the rider, helping them to improve their balance, style and
position, get their ‘jumping eye’ optimised, and help promote confidence, as
well as the ability to ‘see a stride’.
You can liaise with your instructor regarding what gymnastic
exercises would suit you and your horse’s needs (you should ideally always
perform grid-work with a helper or trainer); but what I’d like to describe here
is what you can be focusing on, regarding your position. Grid-work is a great
way to focus on your own riding and ‘go back to basics’, to make sure your
position is optimised for your horse. (Likewise, I’d also recommend occasional
sessions on a mechanical horse, if you have the time and money!)
Troubleshooting
Since being fortunate enough to be personally involved with
a groundbreaking rider analysis project at Hartpury college’s Equine Therapy Centre,
run by Liz Launder and Kathryn Nankervis, I am even more aware of our bodies’
‘patterns’, limitations and habits, as riders. Seemingly minor points with
regards to a rider’s balance and posture can play a huge role in their
development as a rider! Here are some common issues that may be flagged up when
you’re undertaking gymnastic jumping:
Tipping forwards
Many riders naturally tip forwards as the horse continues
down the line of fences; your hands may then move forwards and your lower legs
may tip back; this results in vulnerability in the security of your position. (And
if the horse runs out at a fence or spooks, you have a higher likelihood of
being unseated).
TOP TIP: Squeeze your shoulder blades up, back and together as you approach the
grid, which will draw your body to an upright position and ensure your
shoulders are square. Look up - the higher your head (and eye-line), the more
balanced you’re likely to be, and the less likely to tip forwards.
Unstable lower leg
If your leg drifts too far back, this may result in your
toes coming down and your heels coming up, and the likelihood of losing your
stirrups. Make sure your stirrups are the correct and comfortable length for
you to ride with to begin, with of course! Chances are, you may need to put
them up, as many of us ride a little too long when jumping.
TOP TIP: Keep a slight bend in the knees and push your heels down as you
approach the grid, to stabilise your body.
Flappy hands or
elbows
I will admit it, my elbows are sometimes known to flap (especially
my right elbow), if I am ‘riding on’. In my case, this results in my right
shoulder and my left hip dropping, and my middle section being unstable, or less
strong. If this happens to you too, you are not using your core strength enough,
and are probably being reliant upon your upper body as a substitute. (I
pondered whether mucking out one way - e.g. I am right handed - has contributed
to this slight upper body rotation that I’ve developed). Your hands are there to
guide the horse after all, and you must have hands that are independent to your
seat. Your hands should ideally remain still as you go over the fence, with
your elbows absorbing the natural movements, and both reins should be the same
length.
TOP TIP: Can you try riding without your reins, with your trainer’s approval,
during your grid-work session? You can knot them on the horse or pony’s neck and
put your arms out to the side, as you jump - keep retaining your jumping
position over the fences, and sitting up in between.
Producer Bex Mason has
worked for many years breaking in horses and competing at an international
level with elite riders such as Tina and Graham Fletcher (GB), Ludo
Philleaperts (BEL), Steve Cohan (NZ) and Viki Roycroft (AUS). Bex specialises
in producing competition horses. “I find myself expressing love for my ‘Derrieres’
daily,” Bex says of the DE horse riding underwear range. “I openly discuss the
results and versatility of the products, whether it’s to customers at my yard,
or fellow competitors at shows; I don’t even realise I’m doing it - these horse
riding pants change riders’ lives!”
Another top tip!
Author Alison Gregory has published two excellent gymnastic jumping books titled
“A Manual of Pole and Gridwork Exercises (Book 1)” and “From Gridwork to the
Show-Jumping Ring (Book 2)”, available HERE.
