What makes a horse a world-class jumper? You might be surprised to learn there’s no ideal formula. The best jumpers possess a combination of great strength and coordination, but exactly how they use their bodies to get from one side of a fence to the other varies from horse to horse. In some cases, they compensate for a weakness with a different strength. In others, training and good riding help them overcome weaknesses.

In this article, Dan Marks, VMD, explains how your horse uses his various body parts when he jumps so you can help him as a rider?by being aware of how your weight and position affect him at different phases of the jump and how your own flexibility and coordination can make you a better partner.

Download the PDF of the article here: How Your Horse Jumps