Did you know that a steady lower leg essential for riders in show jumping?

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

We believe in science based development. We are sharing different scientific studies that prove the importance of a good seat. Since the communication between rider and horse is predominately embodied and depending of the quality of the rider’s seat.

Mari Zetterqvist Blokhuis

How is your leg position in show jumping? It is well-known that unstable lower legs can have a negative effect on your stability over the fence and can thus have a negative effect on your own as well as your horse’s balance over fences. An English study showed that the position of the rider’s lower leg between take off and suspension is more stable among elite riders compared to non-elite riders.

How was the study performed?

Ten riders that were ranked among the best 150 show jumping riders were compared with ten non ranked riders during a 1.20 m competition. A number of angels in the riders’ seat were registered at takeoff and landing (after the fences) on both upright fences and oxers. Results showed that the high ranked riders had a more “closed” angel of the hip compared to the unranked riders. Moreover, the unranked riders tended to push their lower leg backwards between the takeoff and the suspension over the upright fence. This study suggests that less experienced show jumping riders need to improve the stabilization of their lower leg to improve their performance.
Take a look at a video clip or photo to analyse your own lower leg position during the takeoff and over the fence. To be lounged over small fences where you can focus on your balance and leg position can enhance the learning of a more steady leg position and thus improve performance.

Here you will find summaries of scientific articles that explains more.

Source.

Herbert, L. et al. A comparison of the position of elite and non-elite riders over two different fences. In: Proceedings of the 8th conference of International Society of Equitation Science, Edinburgh, July, 2012.