In the same way that, when learning to ride, the rider is more concerned about his or her own position and balance than about how well the horse is going. When learning to jump, you must first master the art of keeping a balanced, rhythmic approach before worrying about trying to improve the horse's actual jumping ability.
You can use gridwork to help in both instances-jumping the grids allows you to concentrate on improving your own balance and position , and can also be used to improve the horse's agility and ability over a fence.
Some horses are naturally more careful jumpers than others; some horses tend to throw long, flat jumps, whilst others may have a tendency to jump very high but with little scope to clear spreads. In either case, gridwork can enhance the horse's performance.
While jumping fences, it is your job to bring the horse to the fence in a balanced rhythm, to remain in balance with him/her over itm and to land in balance so that you can continue to the next fence.
Most riders attempt to do far more that what is neccessary over a fence, which only unbalances and distracts the horse. When jumping in canter, you should keep a light seat on the approach to the fence. You should always maintain the rhythm that you will ride into the fence with and allow the horse to use his/her head to negoiate the jump and to give the horse as much freedom as needed.
Here is the basic technique for jumping in canter:
1. You should ride in the forward seat, with your seatbones raised just off the saddle to encourage the horse to use its back and power along actively with the rider. Keep your lower leg closed on the horse's side, and sink your weight into your stirrups.
2. As you approach the fence, lower your seat into the saddle and keep riding in a two-point position. Close the lower legs on the horse more firmly, and prevent the horse from accelerating forward with half-halts. You are trying to collect the horse and channel his/her energy towards the fence.
3. Just before the horse takes off, the rider should soften his/her hands and give a liitle more rein to the horse so that he/she can produce a clean jump. The rider's seat should be deep in the saddle, with his/her legs closed against the horse's sides and all the weight in the stirrups.
4. As the horse takes off, all the rider needs to do is allow his/her hands to follow the horse's neck. In that position, the rider remains completely balanced and that allows the horse to jump athletically and comfortably over the jump.
5. By remaining in the two-point position after jumping a fence, the rider will be able to be in balance with the horse and be ready to tackle any other jumps in their way.
**Note: When jumping in trot, maintain an active posting trot while approaching the jump and landing. The technique is the same as jumping in canter, except for the different gaits.