How does in hand jumping work ?

[CMOTdibbler]

The riding school DS and I go to is having a 'show day' on Sunday, and the owner texted me to ask if DS wanted to have a go in the in hand jumping.

I'm guessing it's teeny tiny jumps that the pony can basically walk over, but as DS will think it's fantastic (and he'll get a rosette), have said yes, even though I have no idea how it works.

Can someone enlighten me please ?

Usually means on a lead rope and the leader can actually hold on to child's leg as well if pony is pretty good at going forwards. Maybe have a practice beforehand if possible so you can work out holding leadrope and leg. Unless you are totally sure pony won't leap over jumps, it is a good idea to hold child if possible (depends on how old they are though) You have to be quite good at not tripping over the jumps too! Have you considered getting a body protector (if you haven't already) as a fall onto poles can be quite sore! hope you both enjoy the day!

Fortunatly, I don't have to lead him, his instructor will - I'd be a right liability !

Usually called Lead Rein jumping and most shows have it these days.

DD (who is 6) still does LR jumping with her basically doing it all herself but with mummy running - and of course jumping! - alongside, clicking the pony on. Reassuring for little ones not to have to remember the course.

I've done it with DD once and being ultra-competitive was looking for the next jump not realising that DD (then 5) was toppling out the side door and needed a push back into the plate! (I've subsequently been sacked from this role....)

I'd be the opposite, so busy keeping an eye on ds that I would trip over the jump and land flat on my face.

He had a lovely time - although I was roped in to be an extra runner given his age, but didn't need to actually do anything as he managed to stay firmly seated.

I do realise however, that I have a lot to learn about these things - there were competitive mummies, and DS looked a bit scruffy (black boots, navy/aqua jods, black fleece, and I did put his black silk on his hat) compared to the 5 year old girls who were in white shirt, beige jods etc, plus smart mummy in jods to run (cf me in jeans, walking boots and fleece)

Cmot, if he gets into showing classes you'll have to get the tweeds, twinset and pearls out!

I watched the lead-rein classes at Hickstead this year and some of the 'mummy's' outfits had to be seen to be believed. One was so garish I think she was trying to draw attention away from the pony's terrible dishing .

I think we need a style and beauty thread in the tack room - a well groomed horse and all that!

Trouble is, by the time the horse is well-groomed I most definitely am not!

Love the idea of Style and Beauty in the Tack Room. But do Boden do jodhpurs?! Think our sassy dresses might get a tad mucky.

I am, actually in Real Life, right this minute, picking dried mud off my FACE

horse went to bed gleaming and shiny and stunningly beautiful (pony immediately rolled in the mud, the instant I shut the gate behind me) why do we bother?

I seriously do want a Style and Beauty in here, I have tried wailing for help in the real Style and Beauty bit but am still skulking around in my tatty old barbour and trusty boots with a bit of muddy jodh in between

Mitchy, what do you want advice on?

I want to look less like the hedge the rest of you got pulled through backwards