Jumping position

Poor lower leg position makes a rider more likely to lose balance over fences and therefore increases the chance that they may fall.

The leg should hang down the horse's side, making even contact along its whole length (inner thigh, knee, and calf), and should not change position when the upper body moves.

The toes are generally turned out slightly, to a degree greater than in the flatwork-only English riding disciplines such as dressage or saddle seat.

Grand Prix jumpers and eventers on cross-country generally need to shorten the stirrups the most, to allow them to gallop and jump in motion with their horse.

The stirrup iron is usually placed on the ball of the foot, allowing the rider to have a flexible, shock-absorbing ankle.

The rider should keep even pressure across the foot, rather than pushing on the inside or outside of the stirrup iron, as this makes the lower leg stiff.

Stiffness in these angles makes it harder to stay with the horse's balance, which may result in the rider "jumping ahead" or being "left behind."

Combining a relatively short stirrup with a need for security, Eventers and steeplechase jockeys tend to have a slightly forward leg position, with the foot "home" in the iron.

The forward leg position increases security, making it more difficult for the rider to become dislodged.

Especially in the case of steeplechase jockey, a fall could be extremely dangerous, as the other horses in the race could trample him or her.

The hip joints are especially important, as they are the connection between the lower leg (which remains still), and the upper body.

The hips should always move backward from the neutral position, not forward (a sign that the rider is jumping ahead).

Looking down tends to cause riders to lean forward with their shoulders and round their back, thus placing them in a precarious position.

The key to a good release is relaxed arms with proper hand, wrist, and elbow position.

First, the arms (elbows and shoulders) should be soft and elastic, allowing the horse to pull them forward as needed.

Preferably, there should be a straight line from bit to elbow (automatic release), as this improves contact and communication between horse and rider.

The elbows should be next to the rider's side, not "chicken-winged" and pointing outward, which decreases flexibility and softness.

It is used by beginner riders when they do not yet have the position and balance to do more advanced releases without risking hitting their horse in the mouth.

Proponents say that this shows off a talented hunter by proving the horse needs little assistance from the rider to jump in good form.

An example of a rider in jumping position
Poor leg position often makes it difficult for the rider to stay with the horse's efforts
Steeplechase jockeys shove their legs forward for extra security.
Looking down causes the upper body to fall forward.
Short crest release
A long crest release being used for a large oxer to allow the horse more freedom
The automatic release: the rider has a straight line from elbow to bit, and maintains a soft, elastic contact with the horse's mouth.
Slipping the reins while going down a drop
Grand Prix fences will sometimes make even the best riders lose the classic position.
A rider jumping ahead. Note the open hip and knee angles, and the fact that her hips are in front of the line made by the stirrup leather.
This rider has been left behind, due to his horse's huge jump out of the water. He must be sure to slip his reins to prevent catching the horse in the mouth.
This rider has hit his horse in the mouth because he is not releasing sufficiently.