How deep in the saddle do jumpers sit when on the flat? (Not approaching a fence or riding a course, but if you'd like to tell me that too, I'd love to hear what you do!) The reason why I'm asking is because, until I consistently began riding one mare who was very kind in adapting to my dressage habits, I kept sending the horses into a gallop when sitting the canter. I was told I was sitting too deep, and it was being interpretated as a driving seat. To me, I was just following the canter (I don't drive with my seat in dressage except when it's the right thing to help cue a horse for more stride/power). Yes, I was putting my dressage form in the jump tack 😂 Watching the instructors and my fellow students, I notice many sitting the gaits aren't truly sitting, more like lightly brushing against the saddle. However, when watching old videos of courses like Hickstead, many of the riders sit much more "dressage" style! By this, I mean they actually had their rears in the tack when not half-seating or two-pointing the canter, which surprised me. I understand that eventers have to sit because of the dressage test, so their horses would be used to it. So, is it just a hunter/jumper thing in today's times not to truly sit the gaits? Is it a trend, the result from a different method/style of riding, or the cause of a lack of horsemanship/classical riding? I say the last carefully, as I am only really familiar with the classical dressage philosophies and that of Jim Wofford (eventer). I ride at a more hunter style barn in the US, but I would love to hear perspectives from other countries!!!

Jump Rider Question

Liked by 6 members