By: Margaret Gaston
on October 09, 2009
in Hunter / Jumper Questions
Rating: 0
I think my stirrups were too short yesterday. i had then as high as they will go but i measured with my arm and it was about 5 inches too short. do you think that was throwing me off? And Blue cant really canter to a jump. its not a fun ride in english. hes not in pain, i just had his back adjusted. and hes got new shoes that ACCTUALLY fit (the other farrier had smaller shoes on his ginormous feet. but he is a little pigeon toed. jumping is just a little side thing i do for fun but i dont want to just trot then forever. how can i get him to slow down and think about the jump. i want to ride in the AQHA and if i stop barrels on him maybe we can show.
well id be careful if hes pigeon toed sometimes jumping isnt the best thing for a horse like that but im not really sure what your asking you want to jump in the AQHA shows?
I agree with Katie pigeoned toed horse do not last long in jumping, It creates too much stress on mostly all of their joints in their front legs. Also your stirrups should just be to your armpits, and if you like a little shorter than maybe take it up one hole. Having them that short could cause you to jump ahead, fall behind, kick him where he doesnt like it, etc... Other than that Im not really sure what you're asking...
Stirrups usually measure from your finger tips to arm pit... but it all depends on your build. Some people have long torso and short legs or long legs and short torso... so if you let your legs just dangle while seated in the saddle, the stirrups should hang down hit you at your inside ankle bones. You can alter them up or down 1 hole from there but I wouldn't ride any shorter than that.
And I agree with the other ladies.... I wouldn't jump if he has any kind of feet or shoeing issures.
I was taught to measure to your ankle when you're sitting on the horse. What I like to do is sit on my horse, measure it to my ankle, then get someone to take a picture of my legs at that length. If it looks too long, shorten a hole and continue to adjust until it looks and feels right. I personally like my stirrups a tad bit shorter for the over fences and a little longer for the hunt seat equitation.
And I agree with the other posters, pidgeon toed horses aren't meant for jumping. As Dani said, it creates a lot of stress on their joints which could give you a huge vet bill in the future. Also, have you tried a little bigger bit on him? Sometimes that helps, but I would recommend getting a trainer :)
