The longer I look at this picture, the better I like it.
This rider’s leg position is very good. Her stirrup is the correct length, with her iron back on the ball of her foot. Her heel is down and her toe is out.
Her base of support is beautiful–she’s not jumping ahead, standing up or dropping back. Her horse has thrown her forward and up out of the saddle just enough. She’s showing a slight roach in her back toward her shoulders. Her head and eyes, however, are exemplary.
Her short release is very correct: hands on the crest and in no way pulling on her horse’s mouth.
He’s not a very round jumper, but he looks bold, alert and capable–fine for galloping and jumping the wide fences he’ll encounter in eventing.
Their turnout is adequate. I can’t criticize the rubber safety stirrups, but I don’t like the tassel.
Reprinted from the December 1989 issue of Practical Horseman magazine. Is this photo of you? Email Practical.Horseman@EquiNetwork.com, and we’ll identify you!
