Q&A for How to Jump on Horseback

The English riding style has its roots in fox hunting and racing, so an English saddle is meant for a little bit more refined sports where you have the ability to introduce jumping and things like that. You don't want to be jumping in a Western saddle.

Practice the two-point position at a walk or trot on a horse you know you can trust. Don't go over jumps until you feel safe doing the position. Place a pole on the ground and walk or trot toward it. When your horse is ready to "go over" the pole, get into the two-point position. When you are over the pole, hold the position for a full stride, then ease back down into the saddle. Repeat until you feel comfortable. Remember that you can grab onto the horse's mane partially down its neck.

You will want go back to your normal position once the horse has gone over the rail and landed. It tends to happen naturally for most people.

Keep your reins gathered until reaching the jumping point. Once your horse takes off and you go into two point, either let go of the reins as much as possible so you don't jerk on your horse's mouth, which teaches them not to jump properly, or you can start with a rope around their neck so that you can hold on to that instead of risking hurting the horse's mouth.

Grip with your upper thighs and get into the jump position until the jump is fully landed.

You should try holding your heels down. If that doesn't work, squeeze your legs in the saddle, but not too hard or your horse might refuse to jump.

It is not needed, but if your horse speeds up, or throws his or hers head in the air, or if you or your horse has problems controlling his or her head, look into using a running or standing martingale. If your horse is fine with his or her head, you do not need a martingale.

You should always try to end the jump with a canter. A lot of horses try to go into a gallop after a jump, and we all know its hard to get a horse out of a gallop. Hence, it's easier to end with a canter.

A 16 year old horse is usually near to retirement age, as horses are supposed to stop jumping when they are 20 years old. But, paying attention to the limitations of the horse, there is no problem.

No, just make sure it's right behind the horse's withers and you're are all set.

It really depends on the horse. There are horses that can jump over 1.50 meters, and others that can't get past the 1 meter mark.

I wouldn't advise doing it. It is possible, but since you wouldn't be able to get into the correct position, not only would it be uncomfortable for you, you might hurt your horse's back.

You look at how far away the jump is in order to feel prepared and know when the horse is about to go over. It is a skill that takes years to fully learn and cultivate. Raise into the two-point when the horse is just about to start going over, it should feel right.

Lean forward so you are slightly out of the saddle when going over a jump: once you have done it a few times, it should come naturally.

Use your body. Pull your reins and kick with the outside rein. Take it back a step and lunge the horse over jumps to show him how.

Push down with your calves. It my feel weird at first, but soon you will get used to it. You may also need some better boots with grip.

This is common when you wear jeans (and can cause a rash), so consider wearing something diferent. Take it easy: with trots, do not fall too hard on your horse, as this can cause irritation. Use your rump for canters, not the front.

If she is still able to jump, and your vet says it's okay, don't hold back!

It depends. It is good to know the horse beforehand. Squeeze as a reminder and kick if it's a lazy horse.

Try out lunging your horse over jumps. It also may be possible if the tack is to tight or your pulling the reins to hard or he has an injury somewhere. See a trainer for help. If none of these things solve the issue, it might be best to retire your horse from jumping.

The horse should be able see the jump by itself. If it's a lazy horse, keep kicking her/him and show him/her that you want to jump and you're not just cantering to a jump.

You can, but it is not the proper way. If you don't your heels would go up and make it more likely to fall. Your posture will also become hunched over while in the air.

Go into 2 point position just as you feel your horse take off and then return to normal position when she/he touches the floor.

When you can find your balance at a canter. Don't jump when you're just beginning to ride because you have yet to find your balance on a horse and feel.

The horse should jump on its own. If the horse is green, you might have to guide it by tapping your heels just before the jump.

On the flat, practice in 2-point at the walk, trot, and canter. Make sure your bum is close to the saddle, your heels are down, and your shoulders and chin are up. Make sure your back is flat or very slightly arched instead of rounded. Try to do lots of trotting poles in 2-point, and get into position 3-5 strides before the jump until you can hold it easily. Build a bounce grid, with 2-4 jumps set about 9-11 feet apart. The horse won't take any strides in between and will "bounce" over the jumps. Keep them under 2'6".

When your two-point position is balanced and secure, and you don't lean on the horse for balance. You should be able to fully control your horse at the walk, trot, and canter. You should be able to ride "quietly", not kicking the horse, posting off the reins, or bouncing at the canter. And preferably know your leads and diagonals. Being on the wrong lead can make it tricky for the horse to jump, and can make it rougher than it needs to be.

Most likely, the horse would know where he is supposed to take off. A very inexperienced horse needs a little help with jumping, because they are still figuring it out, so they might refuse or hit the pole. Most horses can take care of themselves when jumping.