Riding English

[cocker_luva]

when you learn, you start off r-e-a-l slow. (at least i did). also ive been riding for about 8 years, and i have yet to fall off a horse, jumping or not. so dont worry. the instructor wouldnt let a new rider/jumper on a horse that couldnt be trusted.

[Suki Wingy]

you are lucky in that you already know western! Basically you need to build up your leg strength before anything. English is SO much more exiting than wester, you'll love it. I've only fallen off three times in five years and mostly they were my fault, once was jumping when the horse took a HUGE spot and I didn't have near enough leg strength to be jumping it. Still I didn't really get hurt.

[CarrieB]

Thanks for the replys!! I can't wait to start english riding. I'm going to still do western too, so I'll do western and english once a week. When I did western.. my least favorite thing was extended trot... because it hurt my legs to be standing up while squeezing at the same time, and while I was also trying to remember EVERYTHING else I have to do!! Is extended trot hard for you guys too? Maybe it's just me.. but yeah I am so excited !

[buttercup132]

It's all in your thighs and keeping your self balanced in way so you wont fall off. They will teach you that WAY before you even go over stepping poles. But if you see pictures of people jumping you will see there bums int he air there front i down and tilted foward and keep there arms short. Don't worry you'll be fine it's fun.

[Mutt_Maniac]

Have you tryed jumping in western? Maybe if you learned the process of jumping first with all the support in western it might help. I jump in western and it is sooo much fun!