The 5 Jumping Faults Every New Rider Makes (And How to Fix Them)
Quick Answer
The five most common jumping faults for beginners are: jumping ahead of the horse, looking down, gripping with the knee, dropping the contact, and collapsing the hip angle on landing.
Key Takeaways
- Jumping ahead is the most common fault — wait for the horse to come to you
- Eyes up and forward improves balance and steering
- Grip with the calf, not the knee, for security
- Maintain soft contact through the jump
- Land in balance by keeping the hip angle open
Learning from Common Mistakes
Every rider who has ever jumped a fence has made these mistakes. The difference between riders who improve quickly and those who struggle is awareness — knowing what the fault is, why it happens, and how to correct it.
Fault #1: Jumping Ahead of the Horse
What it looks like: The rider throws their upper body forward before the horse leaves the ground, often accompanied by the hands moving up the neck.
Why it happens: Anticipation. The rider knows the jump is coming and "helps" the horse over it.
How to fix it: Practice the mantra: "wait, wait, wait." Keep your upper body slightly behind vertical until you feel the horse's hind legs push off the ground. Then follow with your hip angle. Gymnastic exercises (grids) are excellent for developing this timing.
Fault #2: Looking Down
What it looks like: The rider drops their chin and looks at the top of the fence as they approach.
Why it happens: Nervousness and the natural instinct to look at the obstacle.
How to fix it: Pick a focal point on the far side of the fence — a letter on the arena wall, a tree in the distance — and keep your eyes on it throughout the jump. Your horse knows where the fence is; you need to know where you're going after it.
Fault #3: Gripping with the Knee
What it looks like: The rider's lower leg swings back as they grip with the knee for security.
Why it happens: The instinct to hold on when nervous.
How to fix it: Grip with the calf, not the knee. Think about wrapping your lower leg around the horse's barrel. A good exercise: ride without stirrups at the trot to develop an independent, adhesive seat.
Fault #4: Dropping the Contact
What it looks like: The rider throws the reins at the horse's mouth as they approach the fence.
Why it happens: Fear of interfering with the horse's mouth, or the mistaken belief that the horse needs freedom to jump.
How to fix it: Maintain a soft, elastic contact through the approach and over the fence. Your hands should follow the horse's mouth — not drop away from it.
Fault #5: Collapsing on Landing
What it looks like: The rider's upper body collapses forward on landing, often with the hands dropping to the horse's neck.
Why it happens: The rider relaxes too early after the jump.
How to fix it: Think of landing as the beginning of the next approach. Keep your upper body upright, your eyes up, and your leg on. Land in balance and immediately prepare for what comes next.