Jump clinic & analysis

Radio Flyer

Saturday our barn hosted a clinic with Dorothy Crowell. You may know her from her days with famous horse Molokai. She also competed at Rolex with Radio Flyer.

Molokai

Hampton and I participated in a group jumping lesson with 2 other riders.

Our group: Rufus, Hampton and Roulette.

We started our warming up on the flat. I was sort of wondering why Dorothy wasn't saying anything to me. Eventually she said, "Karen, you can walk. Your horse is so beautifully balanced over his feet. I really don't have anything to say. Looks good to me!"

... um!!!!! I was beaming of course. :) This just goes to show how important dressage work is. He certainly was not naturally balanced 2 years ago. He is half the age of the other horses in the group, but because of his dressage he appears more schooled.

Warm up.

Always on the look out for treats.

We started out with a basic gymnastic line. A bounce, one stride to an oxer. I really wanted to work on my position because despite 2 years at the University of Findlay, and a scattering of other jumping instructors... no one has ever really taught me what to do at the base of the jump! 

Dorothy did have a good point, however. Because when we stand up (out of a chair or car or whatnot), we lean forward, then straighten the knee and then stand up. So of course our natural instinct is to throw our upper body forward at the base of a jump. So at least I know now that there is a REASON I toss my shoulders at his neck. It made me feel like less of an idiot.

The proper procedure for jumping is: 

Straighten your knee

Put your hands forward

This is similar to what Peter Atkins says "Kick Up Look Up Stand Up" which has been a real help for me with jumping. 

I also really worked on my release. I have developed a bad habit of giving a short release or no real release at all. I have gotten away with it because the jumps are small. And for some reason, Hampton has started to develop into quite a talented little jumper - in spite of me!! But giving a long release no only gives him freedom in the neck, it also provided me with more support so my shoulders can stay away from his neck a little better.

No real release here. I'm perched over my hands. Hampton still jumps
like a boss in spite of me. (from FCF)

A better automatic release. Overall a more stable position here, although
my lower leg his slipped back (typical). But my heel is still down.

Lower leg appears better here, but I'm still really loose with my legs.
(that's what she said! OH!! BLAMO!!)

Bad habits die hard though and we did have some sticky jumps. Partly my fault and partly because Hamps is still pretty green.

Bad Karen.  I threw my upper body at him. He made a real effort but still knocked
the top plank.

Yes, still jumping ahead with my lower leg sliding back.
BUT .... I think this jump, with an actual release, is better  than ...

THIS ... no release. Perched over hands again. AND my lower leg is pretty
much in another county.

I learned a lot from Dorothy and would not hesitate to take another lesson from her. I think she has a real gift for working with OTTBs. She has a great sense of humor, was friendly and positive. 

I had been so starved for quality jumping instruction. This was a real treat and Hamps was brilliant. The way he packs me around meets criteria for Sainthood I think.

I am currently borrowing this jumping saddle from a friend. It is better than the Collegiate I had ... but I'm not sure I've found "the one" yet. 

Back to the sandbox this week. :)