Learning to take a horse over jumps is a marvellous milestone for most riders.

 

But you should first be confident in all other paces and be able to ride at a walk, trot and canter before attempting jumps. Remember, it can be quite dangerous as well as exhilarating.

It is vital that you get the help of a qualified instructor, and try to choose an experienced horse. As a beginner, start by shortening your stirrups one or two holes to help keep your weight over your mount’s centre of gravity. Remember, too, to avoid interfering with the action of your horse when it is jumping.
Start in a very basic way by using jumping poles placed on the ground. Try walking repeatedly over a single pole until your horse is familiar with it. Then progress to a trot.
When the horse is happy with this put two or three poles on the ground about three feet or four feet apart and ride over them in a rising trot. This will help you - and your horse - develop rhythm, balance, co-ordination and an eye for judging distances.
When you progress to small jumps, your bottom should stay in contact with the saddle as your pony leaves the ground and you should bend forward from the waist.

Grip with the inside of your thighs and knees to retain your riding position - but do not stand in the stirrups. Keep looking ahead and let your hands follow the horse’s head, maintaining contact all the time while allowing your horse‘s head as much freedom as it needs to stretch for the fence.

Your horse will take off from the ground about the same distance away as the height of the fence.
He will raise his neck and head, with all four legs tucked underneath his body. And on landing, he will stretch out his forelegs and raise his head.
When you’re landing, give the horse freedom of its head and keep your heels down to absorb the impact of landing. And as soon as the horse has landed you should take up more contact with the bit again.

A horse can sense when you are nervous. So ride confidently - and canter or trot around briefly before heading into a jump. You should NEVER look down while going over a jump. Always keep your eyes focused on the jump, and, as you land, look at the next jump. And remember, the higher the jump the more you will need to adjust your horses speed.