PONY magazine – September 2016

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jumping position tips

ur pony Test yo w!

September 2016 £3.99 Issue 816

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ven if you’ve been jumping for ages, it’s easy to develop bad habits that affect your position over fences. Having a good position makes it much easier to ride a clear round or tackle a tricky fence, so it’s worth taking the time to work on it.

TOP TIP!

Ask a friend to take some photos or videos of you jumping. Study them at home to see where your position might need some improvement.

Practise your position in all paces before you start

jumping

Picture perfect The perfect jumping position is something most riders spend years developing and it’s worth it – a great position doesn’t just look good, it makes your riding more effective and makes it easier for your pony to jump.

Your position begins with your legs, as they provide a solid base of support. It’s important to have contact with your pony through your thigh and your calf. Sink your weight down into your heels and point your toes forward, as this will allow you to use your legs without gripping with your knees. Practise your leg position by riding in a forward seat on the flat.

This will help you strengthen your legs and get used to the feel of using them in the correct position, so they’ll be more effective when you come to jump.

Your seat should be slightly out of the saddle, with your upper body slightly forwards, so you move with your pony. Hold your hands just above your pony’s neck, keeping balanced over your centre of gravity.

Your back should be straight and your eyes up.

When you jump a fence, your upper body position will be more forwards and you’ll need to push your hands forward slightly to allow your pony to stretch his neck. However, you should aim to keep your leg position the same.

copycat!

It’s really helpful to watch professional riders like showjumper, Jess Mendoza, to learn how things should look.

➤ PONY magazine

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d healthy an y pp ha ny po ve fa ur yo Check out ho w to keep with our top soundness tips

t, say ‘no foo ard farriers gs, e le h d e n v a a h s e s ost of u lthy hoov a e h t u o rm h it perfo no horse’. W be able to ony won’t p e t regular v u o fa y r u rr o a y ou can c y , ily a k c u L a and c tch his best. n top form o im h p e . e k worse checks to fore it gets problem be

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Top tip

Even if you don’t have your own pony, you can do soundness checks with your fave riding school pony – he’ll appreciate the extra attention!

Leg-up

check is during your The best time to do a soundness r pony on level ground you pre-ride grooming sesh. Tie up get a good look at can you and so he’s standing straight He should appear happy, him. Check how he’s standing. shifting his weight from relaxed and comfortable. If he’s standing with weight isn’t foot to foot, pointing a toe or in pain. he’s sign a be ld on all four feet, it cou personal. Run nde-a clos upget to e Now it’s tim the following ugh g thro your hands down each leg, goin checklist:  is there any swelling? ?  are there any cuts or scrapes

did you know?

 are there any new lumps?

If your pony’s frog looks like it’s peeling slightly, don’t panic! Ponies regularly shed layers of their frog to let new, healthy layers grow in.

A bit like a snake shedding its skin!

 is it hot to the touch?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, ask your instructor or yard owner to have a look. Don’t hose or wash the leg until someone has had a look at it, as water could mask any heat or swelling.

Riding on a good surface – like a school or firm (but not hard!) ground – is great for your pony’s hooves, as it increases the bloodflow and helps them grow.

Top tip

If you’re worried your pony may be lame, it’s a good idea to trot him up and check his movement without a rider on board.

Ask an experienced person to watch as you trot up your pony.

Remember to let him trot on a loose lead rope, as holding it too tightly can restrict his movement.

The best time to do a soundness check is during your regular pre-ride grooming session

Discolouration on the foot could be a Best foot forward stone bruise, usually caused by Even though your fave pony riding on hard or rocky ground. sees the farrier regularly, Stinky feet could be a sign of healthy hooves require thrush, which is an infection some TLC between visits. of the sole and frog.

Use a hoofpick to Your pony may need to Next, check the hoof pick out his feet before be shod more regularly if wall. Are there any cracks? and after riding and you’re riding more often Can you feel any heat in when he comes in from over the summer. Check the hoof? If you notice the field. Pick out any his shoes daily to make anything unusual or any stones and packed-in sure they’re firmly in changes, ask your instructor mud, then use a stiff brush place. or yard owner to have a look – to clean off any leftover dirt. your pony may need a visit from Have a good look at the the vet or farrier to assess his foot and sole of his foot – are there any funny-coloured areas? Does it smell bad? make sure he’s comfy.

Top tip

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Shout

Out! Brilliant Bobby

Popular Pepper This is my amazing pony, Mr Pepper. He means everything to me and I wouldn’t change him for the world! We’ve been competing together and have been doing well in jumping competitions. I’m so happy that I have Pepper, he’s the best pony ever!

Hannah Davies

I love PONY magazine, I think it’s great as it gives me tips on riding and looking after Bobby. Bobby is my fave pony at my riding school, – I love him! We’ve just started jumping and, thanks to PONY, we’re flying over them!

Emily Hill

MY PONY CLUB

Terrific Teddy

This is a photo of our Pony Club camp. I go to Willow Farm Pony Club centre, which is near Skegness. This year at camp we had four groups and one of the instructors, Ben, travelled all the way from Saudi Arabia to teach us. We all had a brilliant time and learnt loads, and my jumping really improved! It was the best holiday ever! I can’t wait for next year.

This is my new pony, Teddy.

He mostly did showing before he came to us, but now he’s been to Pony Club, done showjumping, lessons, crosscountry and lots of hacking.

We’re having so much fun learning together. Teddy always tries his hardest.

He’s so kind and gentle and he never lets me down. I’m really looking forward to the summer and going to our first show together. Teddy is onein-a-million.

Willow Farm Pony Club

Connie Armstrong

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PONY magazine

Reader’s email

Tara is...

I don’t own a pony, but I’d like to give a shout out to, in my eyes, the best pony in the world, Toby. I love him so, so much and he’s helping my mum learn to ride, too. Mum was terrified of horses and he has helped her to get over her fear. I got to own him for a day in June. To me, he’s the best pony ever!

ARIAT Awesoe mmonthe

Sophie Moffet

pony of th

Fabulous Flora

Wonderful Twiggy

This is Flora – she’s a super-confident jumper!

Although she can be cheeky, she’s a loving pony and is a great ride!

Thanks to PONY mag, I’m getting more confident. Flora is the best pony ever and I love her to pieces.

My pony, Twiggy, deserves a shout out because she’s made my life complete. She’s been there for me for the past 10 months. When I’m upset, she always warms my heart. I love Twiggy soooo much!

Madeleine Barrowman

Phoebe Sheperd

Magical Millie Happy Heidi This is my new pony, Heidi. I’ve had her for just over a month and I already love her to pieces! She’s given me all my confidence back and we’re having so much fun. We’re looking forward to the upcoming shows and will use PONY magazine to help us along the way. We can’t wait until pony camp this summer!

Katie Trotter

This is my pony, Millie. She’s been my pony and best friend for four years. This was our first competition together after lots of training. We’ve built a great bond, we love doing things together and she’s helped me to build my confidence over the years. We’re going to pony camp this year for the first time and I can’t wait! Millie is the best pony I could ever ask for.

Miya Johns

SUPER-CUTE PETS Betsy owned

by Hatty

Sid and friend owned

by Isabel a

Pippy and Cheese owned by Evie

We brought my pony, Tara, from a local riding school.

She was very green at first and had never been ridden outside an arena, so she was often very spooky and would sometimes buck me off when she was frightened.

After lots of schooling, help from my mum and advice from PONY magazine, we can now jump ditches when we go cross-country. Tara is now a different pony.

We’re a great team and she definitely deserves a prize for bravery!

Madeleine Burchnall

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