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Photo # 40: This is Hannah! (Current freebie!)
Hi Hannah!
This is just a superb picture! While there are a few minor cosmetic flaws to prevent this from being a perfect picture, overall you are obviously a very strong, solid, balanced, and athletic rider. Your leg is impeccable! It is perfectly positioned, and very strong while still looking supple. Your leg alone gives me the impression that it would be quite hard for any horse to ever get you off!
You are slightly ducking your upper body and rounding your back here. Both of these flaws are mostly cosmetic defects, but can effect a rider's balance negatively. Ducking the upper body can slightly hinder the horse's ability to lift the front end during the first half of the jumping effort. So while your balance appears perfect here, DO think about keeping your back flat and allowing your horse's jump to close your angles. Just flattening your back alone would probably make your upper body a few inches away from your horse's neck, which may be all it would take to make your upper body perfect. I don't think this nice jumping horse was in any way affected by your slight ducking motion, but some day you might be riding a less talented horse that will need you to be very careful with your upper body.
Your automatic release is beautiful, and is a great example (along with your lower leg position) for all riders to strive for! A release like this is simply not possible without an extremely strong base of support, and perfect balance. The benefits of using such a release are in the constant and accurate communication between rider and horse in the air. Many horses also find a degree of comfort in this type of support, and will jump more confidently with a rider who can keep them between hand and leg at all times. You will be instantly in control when you land, and will be just that much faster to turn or make any necessary striding adjustments.
This horse is equally lovely. She uses her body very well, and looks very scopey and athletic. I get the impression that she trusts you completely, and is very "tuned" into you. It even looks like her left ear is turned because she can feel you looking to the left. I just love seeing a good partnership at work!
Keep up the good work Hannah! I see big things in your future!
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