Jumping
Intermediate
20 min
Jumping Without Stirrups
Focus: Balance, Technique, Fitness
Equipment: 2 jump poles, 2 jump standards, 1 ground pole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cross your stirrups over the pommel of the saddle. Establish a balanced trot.
- Start by trotting over a ground pole without stirrups. Focus on keeping your lower leg long and secure.
- Progress to a small cross-rail (12 inches). Approach at the trot.
- Without stirrups, your balance must come from your core and lower leg, not your feet.
- Keep your heels down and your lower leg on the horse's side. Don't grip with your knees.
- Repeat 4-6 times. Only raise the fence if your position is consistently good.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Gripping with the knees, which actually makes you less secure.
- Bouncing out of the saddle on landing because the lower leg swings back.
- Grabbing the mane or the horse's mouth for balance.
- Starting with fences that are too large for no-stirrup work.
Variations & Progressions
- Progress to cantering over fences without stirrups.
- Practice no-stirrup work over a gymnastic line for supported jumping.
- Use this as a regular warm-up exercise (one fence, no stirrups) before every jumping session.
Tip: No-stirrup jumping is the fastest way to develop an independent seat. Start small and humble — it's harder than it looks.
Shop Equipment at sstack.com
