The goal of any riding discipline is to achieve a balanced and correct position as it will not only help the rider to apply correct aids, but will enable them to ride with maximum ease and efficiency. Although there is a lot that goes into developing a balanced and correct position, the fit of your tack can drastically alter your position. In our previous article we covered how to ensure your stirrups are adjusted appropriately for flat work and dressage, but when a rider begins to jump, it is important to re-evaluate our stirrup length.
Jumping requires a lot of balance, strength, and well-fitting tack. Like all disciplines it is important to maintain a balanced position, but this may require a rider to shorten their stirrups. Shortening the stirrups will help create a more acute angle at the knees and ankles, which can aid in maintaining a balanced position throughout all phases of the jump. This small change can help the rider keep their weight in their heel, and give a more secure position over fences. In addition to helping the rider feel more secure, this stability will help ensure that the rider’s weight is balanced over the horse’s center of gravity, which will aid the horse in performing to the best of her ability.
If the rider’s stirrups are left too long, the rider will find that their leg begins to slide backwards when jumping over a fence, or they will struggle to get into a balanced jumping position.
The typical rule when jumping is to shorten the length of the rider’s flatwork stirrup length by two holes. If you are unsure of how to measure your stirrup length for flatwork and every day pleasure riding, you can read how in our previous article.
For those who move onto really high fences, they may choose to shorten their stirrups further, but it is best to follow the advice of an instructor as you continue to school up the jump sizes.