Riding - Jumping

Course Name: Riding - Jumping

Prerequisites: None

Description:
The Jumping major learns the mechanics of jumping as they relate to hunters, jumpers and event horses. The development of a balanced, effective seat in the rider is emphasized. The student develops the ability to pace, estimate distances, determine effective lines for jumping and analyze courses. Methodical principles and methods are emphasized in the riding of novice through advanced level horses.

Weekly Topics:
Students will progress though the levels of Jumping Riding according to their personal interests, efforts, and physical abilities. Topics will vary by levels. Syllabi include specific strategies for developing skills at each level.

Level I: Basic relaxation and balance in two-point position: walk, trot, and canter.
Level II: The weight is following the horse’s motion independently most of the time. In two-point position, the student can apply the aids to get the horse into the walk, trot, and canter and maintain the gait.
Level III: Independent balanced seat. In two-point position, the student can apply the basic leg aids, weight aids, and rein aids, ride transitions into and out of the three working paces and follow simple straight and curved lines.
Level IV: The student is able to reproduce on a trained horse in and out, and simple courses applying the proper combination and coordination of aids.
Level V: The student is able to help correct behavioral and physical problems in school horses.
Level VI: The student is able to start a green horse in basic Jumping work.
Level VII: The student is able to train a horse to do progressively advanced movements including cavaletti work, shortening and lengthening of strides, and simple lines to complex curved lines. Riding combinations, including various types of fences - stadium, hunter, and cross country.

Performance Objectives:
The level of achievement of the following objectives will be partially dependent on the number of quarters the student has been involved in the Jumping Riding Program. Following successful completion of Jumping Riding Courses, the student will be able to:

• Describe or explain the theory of riding with regard to:
• Position
• Basic movement
• The riding tree
• The training tree
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain a balanced and correct independent seat while riding a trained horse, while fixing problems on a school horse, and while training a “green” horse in Jumping movements.
• Demonstrate the ability to ride a trained horse, fix problems on a school horse, and train a young horse.
• Link the theory of Jumping Riding to practice.
• Define and describe gymnastics and explain how they are useful in training the jumping horse and rider.
• Analyze courses according to their ability.
• Demonstrate or describe and give examples of the use of Jumping theory in problem solving during riding and training.

Methods:
A variety of instructional methods and strategies will be used, including demonstration and guided practice.

Evaluation:
Observation and feedback will be used to guide instruction and allow students to monitor their progress. Other evaluation measures include: punctuality, attitude, effort, progression, appearance of horse and rider, and attendance.