09/09/2026
Let’s talk body control.
Body control plays a huge part of helping your horse stay balanced, striding, etc.
In this lesson, we’re working on rider position, body control, balance, and timing. They all influence how the horse approaches the fence, and ultimately how they jump it.
When I talk about body control, I mean being aware of where your body is and what you’re doing with it throughout the entire line, and having the control to make the right adjustments, at the right time.
The first time through, my student was balancing but doing it too late in the line, causing the front end to be slightly slow, and having a rail came down. With only 3 strides, you have to sit and balance early to be in the correct place when the front end leaves the ground.
This was a good example of how much our own body control can affect the horse and how a subtle, but impactful change can aid in clear rounds.
Are you staying centered and even? Are you balanced over your horse? Are you sitting at the right time instead of too early or too late? Can you stay with your horse over the fence without getting ahead or getting left behind?
We came back through and focused on sitting and balancing earlier, staying centered, and holding her body more consistently through the line.
This is something I talk about a lot with my students because good body control gives the horse a better chance to do their job well.
Is body control something you work on? Let me know in the comments!
