At 02:12:28 on 12.10.10, Horsesarelife1001 wrote:
Ok So I LOVE to trot jumps, but I have always been nervous of cantering jumps. In my lessons we are going to start cantering jumps this week and I'm nervous. I asked my horsey friend about how she felt cantering jumps and she said that that was how she had her first fall. I think what is making me nervous it that she is a REALLY good rider and if she fell then I will Defiantly fall. BUT I do want to take on the challenge! So I have a question for all *GOOD* riders who jump at a canter: What parts are key? Do u have any tips? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!! -Brooke And Delfinia

At 05:30:16 on 12.10.10, kibby wrote:
Relax and breathe, sit up, look up.. Its not quite as scary as you think.. if you are ervous coming into the jump dont be worried to grab some mane.. it may not be the correct way, but the best way is to stay in the saddle :) Let us know how you go..

At 12:04:11 on 12.10.10, Flicka wrote:
I agree with Kibby's suggestions and also don't fixate on what could go wrong. Even the best riders fall off anyway. I would start by cantering over poles placed on the ground around the school, do everything kibby says and make sure all of your body is relaxed so that you can go with your horse. Work on getting a nice canter rhythm and don't anticipate take off and get in front of your horses movement. Good luck and don't rush yourself. Start with poles on ground then work up to small cross poles. Good Luck,enjoy it:)

At 12:09:52 on 12.10.10, kibby wrote:

And never forget to enjoy it.. The first few times it might be a little scary but when you get good at it you will have so much fun.. I dont know anything i enjoy more..

(Click here for larger view)

At 12:57:17 on 12.10.10, sophieandcallum wrote:
It's really not as scary as it seems, I can't even remember when I started cantering into jumps. like flicka says don't anticipate take off as that is when you will get infront of the movement and have a bit of trouble staying in the saddle not quite as bad is getting behind the movement or having a cat leaper (I know all too well about that...) just concentrate on you balancing, breathing and look over the jump :) enjoy and let us know how you get on! Kibby - you don't half make those huge jumps look easy :D

At 13:51:18 on 12.10.10, kibby wrote:
Its a talented mare :P haha.. I never dreamed of jumping anything like that till i got her.. this photo make you feel better? It always makes me laugh

At 21:14:07 on 12.10.10, ToriSilverson wrote:
i agree sophie! it sickens me how easy kibby (and phil) make it look! haha love ya really kibby. as for cantering jumps, relax and let the horse take you over the jump, once you jump more you cant start thinking about strides and setting up for it. :)

At 21:48:36 on 12.10.10, sophieandcallum wrote:
Kibby I don't care what you look like....that jump makes me feel sick just looking at it! lol! I want a big show jumper...jumps look way too big on a 13.3!

At 22:22:33 on 12.10.10, kibby wrote:
Tori i know when you and charlie get even more used to each other you will go far!! as for callum, well if he grows :P lol haha, soph you and callum have such a great bond that i truly am jealous of..

At 22:35:45 on 12.10.10, NMH wrote:
Sensible comments, I agree with the poles on the ground to help you get used to the feel/idea, then a little jump is, if anything, easier! Cos they respect it better & it soon becomes more predictable. Keep them small & varied, & it'll seem less challenging in a while. Think about/ look at something after the jump- something to aim for/ a marker to turn at, then think of it as the jump just happening to be in the way! Kibby's wonderful jumps are for later... many of us (nearly all) don't ever get anything like that good, or brave come to that! but don't worry about that yet!!