101 Hunter/Jumper Tips: Essentials for Riding on the Flat and Over Fences

Balance, rhythm, pace, and straightness are the keys to every great hunter/jumper ride, whether on the flat or over fences. 101 Hunter/Jumper Tips offers suggestions for achieving these goals, as well as solutions to basic and more advanced schooling problems, using techniques from successful riders and trainers that will improve everything from your horse''s saddle fit to your own position and mental approach.

For example:

To strengthen and test your position, practice transitions at all gaits while in your two- and three-point position. Walk to trot, trot to canter, canter to trot, canter to walk, walk to canter . . . even incorporate a halt now and then from any gait. If you have trouble maintaining your position through the transitions, you may need to work on deepening your heel and balancing your weight over your horse''s center of gravity.

If you find yourself falling forward in the downward transitions, you may be gripping too much with your knees and creating a pivot point. Concentrate on distributing the contact evenly from your calf up through your inner thigh. If you fall back into the saddle, your legs are probably slipping forward. First, try shortening your stirrups a hole or two. If you still fall back, focus on keeping your heels deep and directly below your center of gravity. The more you practice this exercise, the easier it will become.

And remember, there''s no shame in grabbing mane!

With sections on tack and equipment, training, preparation for showing, and competition itself, this is a reference guide that no hunter/jumper rider or trainer should miss.

Jessie Shiers has been riding and caring for horses for fifteen years. The author of 101 Horsekeeping Tips, she lives in Middletown, Connecticut, with her husband, Jason, and her horse, George.