If you want to be a great jumper, you are going to have to learn to “fold” over jumps. While folding is very basic, it can sometimes be elusive for even very good riders!
Why do some riders have trouble with folding? Well, sometimes the trouble starts when the instructor uses the wrong language to describe how to fold. Chances are, you’ve seen a million riders fold over jumps. So why are you having trouble with it?
Well, it’s completely different when you are the one in the saddle. Many instructors make the mistake of telling their students to close their hip angle when folding. This makes perfect sense when you are on the flat. After all, when you are on the flat your bottom remains either in the saddle or hovering closely to it, and your torso is either straight up or leaning forward a bit depending upon your hip angle.
If you apply this same closing of the hip angle when you are riding over jumps, however, what happens to your position? Your rear will be in the air and your body will be halfway up your horse’s neck. If you don’t believe me, ask someone to take a photo of you. Then you’ll see what happens when you think “close hip angle” when you are riding over jumps!
So the first step in folding over jumps is to change the vocabulary you use. Instead of thinking “close hip angle,” just think “fold.” So simple I bet you didn’t even think of it, right?
The best thing is, you can practice folding any time, even when you are sans horse. Waiting in an extra long grocery line? Well, assume your basic riding position (if people stare just ignore them)! By this I mean stand on the ground with your feet horse-width apart. Bend your knees and stay over your feet. It shouldn’t be difficult to keep your balance in this position. If it is, you aren’t over your feet. Start over again!
Standing in your balanced position with your weight over your feet, begin to close your hip angle. At some point, you’ll lose your balance. If you are standing, you’ll avoid falling on your face by putting your arms out and catching yourself. But if you are sitting on a horse you won’t have that luxury. So instead you’ll open your knee angle, which will lift your rear out of the saddle and tip your upper body into your horse’s neck.
So what am I getting at here? Don’t just close your hip angle! As your upper body shifts forward be sure to shift your bottom back toward the cantle, which will allow you to stay on your feet and fold. Think of it this way: If your horse were to disappear from underneath you as you were going over a jump, would you land on your feet. If the answer is yes, then you are folding correctly. If the answer is no, you need to work on your balance and position over jumps.
