Photo # 25: This is Briana at the AEC's! (Current Freebie)

Hi Briana!

I have to start by saying it's not smart to ride without your head! ;) Sorry, I couldn't resist... Other than the fact that your head is cut off, this is a great action shot!

You asked if you should be more out of the saddle. No, I think your seat is just right here. When jumping off a drop, a rider's seat should be in the saddle... but lightly, with much of the rider's weight being taken in their heels.

You are probably going to regret pinching with your knee and letting your lower leg swing back when you land though! One of the most important things you should tell yourself at the edge of a drop fence is, "push your heels slightly in front of you and land into them."

The other pertinent things to think about at drop fences are: eyes up, slightly open fingers to let the reins slip through as needed, supple shock absorbers, and to let your hips come forward as your hip angle opens on the landing side. I will be writing an article on this subject soon.

Other than pushing your feet in front of you for the landing, the only other aspect that could be improved is your hands. You are only doing it slightly here, but many riders seem to have the habit of raising their hands as they jump off drops. I think it stems from tension in the rider's shoulders.

The problem with letting your hands go up in the air as you drop off is that you either catch the horse in the mouth, or you have to slip the reins that much more to avoid catching the horse in the mouth. And the more you have to slip the reins the less control you will have on the landing.

Your goal should be to let your hands move in the direction of the horse's mouth, and to slip the reins only as much as necessary. So drop your hands, and extend your elbows so that your reins follow him naturally as much as possible.

Other than that, good job! Henry looks great!