Tips for horse jumping......?

Question

i'm starting to jump in my horsebakc riding class. does anyone have suggestions????? Because i alomost fell off when i jumped the first time.
And my horse over jumps really high (instead of jumping a foot she jumps 3 feet)

Answer 1

Here are a few quick tips. I don't want to type out paragraphs because you shouldn't overthink the process and make yourself even more nervous.

1. Don't look down at the jump, look straight ahead. The horse can feel that.
2. When you go into 2 point, squeeze your thighs and grab the mane with your hands. This will put you in the correct position and make you feel more stable.
3. Know that he will overjump. If this is the horse's tendancy, then at least you know, and can expect accordingly.
4. Stay in 2point until you're sure he has cleared the jump, then sit down gently, don't just bounce back onto his back.
5. Lastly, and most importantly, stay calm. Squeeze with your legs so that you feel confident that you will not fall off. If you are nervous, your body will give it away and the horse will pick up on that anxiety.

Answer 2

When you first start jumping it can help to maintain the two-point seat on your way towards the jump instead of just shifting into two-point right before your horse takes off. The two point position is rising off the saddle, balancing your weight in your bum, lean your upper body slightly forward and move your hands with the horses neck when she jumps to let her extend. (I hope I did a good job describing two-point I've not actually described it before only done it!) You can practice controling your horse while your in the two-point position by just riding around that way, cantering figure 8's and such.

Also my old instructor used to tell me ride the horse not the jump! She ment to just trot my horse around the ring, point towards the jump keep my horse straight and continue to ride until the jump just sort of happened.