How to Canter a Horse Over the Jump in Two-Point Position
It becomes literally impossible for a horse to jump over an obstacle if the rider’s body weight is not positioned correctly while the horse makes the jump. There is a particular body position which the rider must assume before making the horse jump over an obstacle, called the two-point position. The main idea of the two-point position is to the rider’s weight off the saddle and focused on the stirrups instead. Moreover, the rider uses his knees to further stabilise the position. Here is how you can canter a horse over a jump in the two-point position.
Instructions
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1
You will need to have an obstacle over which the horse can jump while you are in the two-point position. Simply support a horizontal post at a certain height in the horse’s path. Moreover, mark a line on the ground ahead and behind the horse. You will also need to install a pole in the ground at the point where you would want the horse to make the jump. Once that has been taken care of, make sure to remove any other obstacles that may be present in the horse’s path before proceeding.
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2
Bring the horse into a properly controlled canter after the horse has been trotting in circles for a short period of time. Guide the horse towards the obstacle over which you want it to jump. As the horse approaches the obstacle, you need to assume the two-point position. Make sure that you keep the reins fairly relaxed so that the horse can use its head for maintaining balance while making the jump.
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3
Pivot the weight of your body on your knees and shift it from the saddle to the stirrups. Make sure that your weight is evenly balanced on both stirrups. Moreover, force down both your heels as much as possible.
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4
Pivot the weight of your body on your knees and shift it from the saddle to the stirrups. Make sure that your weight is evenly balanced on both stirrups. Moreover, force down both your heels as much as possible.
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5
Make the horse jump over the obstacle while maintaining the two-point position. As the horse jumps over the obstacle, keep your body as still as possible. After the jump, do not make the horse to stop abruptly. Instead, complete and full circle, slowing down the horse gradually. Keep the two-point position maintained during the final circle as well.