Why rider biomechanics when jumping is important for your horses movement

In jumping, your timing and position have far more influence on your horse’s effort than many riders realise - yet it's rarely examined with the same precision as distances or striding. How you move, when you move, and which muscles you engage can directly affect your horse’s takeoff, bascule, and landing quality.

Rider biomechanics when jumping is just as important (if not more so) than when on the flat.

Leaning forward, gripping with the thighs, or tipping the pelvis even slightly can cause the horse to lose balance at the base of the fence. It can flatten the jump arc, increase rail contact, or result in chipped strides or refusals.

This post outlines what your hips, spine, and muscles should be doing in canter and over the jump, why staying neutral matters, and how to retrain your movement patterns on and off the horse.

What does the research say about rider biomechanics when jumping....

Hip Flexion vs. Folding: Know the Difference

In skilled riders, the upper body remains upright and the lumbar spine stays neutral as the hip angle closes (Clayton & Hobbs, 2017). The motion comes from the hips- not the spine.

“The rider’s lumbar spine angle changed by less than 3° between the approach and takeoff phase, indicating a stable torso and correct hip flexion.” (Münkel et al., 2020)

“Riders who folded from the spine rather than hinging at the hip caused a forward shift in the rider’s centre of mass and disrupted the timing of the horse’s jump.” (Clayton & Barlow, 2018)

✅ Correct Hip Flexion	❌ Incorrect Fold/Lean
Torse closes toward the thigh while spine stays neutral	Upper body tips forward; spine flexes
Glutes & hamstrings active, weight stays over feet	Quads dominate, posterior chain switches off
Centre of mass stays over stirrups	Centre of mass shifts forward; legs swing back

Cue to remember: Hinge at the hip and keep the chest up- don’t curl the back or lean forward. If you lead with the chest you tip forward.

(I'm currently watching Wimbldeon and it’s the same athletic position you’d see in a tennis player’s ready stance.)

Practicing isolating the hinge hinge off horse

Neutral Spine = Balanced Canter

The canter demands continuous micro-adjustments from the rider’s pelvis- forward (anterior) and back(posterior) - beneath a steady torso.

“The most consistent riders maintained pelvic neutrality on approach, showing equal movement through the stride with no fixed tilt or brace pattern.” (Greve & Dyson, 2019)

When your pelvis is already tipped forward (anterior tilt), you’re likely to fold too early. If it’s tucked under (posterior tilt), you may be too late, resulting in being left behind. Both interfere with the horse’s natural jump rhythm.

Learning how to replicate the same movement on horse at a canter

Posterior Chain = Built-In Shock Absorber

Your glutes, hamstrings, and calves should load eccentrically before and during the jump- giving your body a spring-like support system.

“Experienced jump riders showed increased pre-activation in the biceps femoris (hamstrings) and gluteus maximus (buttocks) 80–100 ms before takeoff. Less experienced riders showed delayed or absent activation in these muscles.” (Peham et al., 2018)

“Higher posterior-chain (back of legs) activation was linked to improved landing symmetry and reduced braking forces.” (Münkel et al., 2020)

Without that activation, the quadriceps take over, locking the knees and pushing the rider forward, increasing force on the horse’s forehand.

✅ Posterior Chain Active	❌ Posterior Chain Inactive
Rider stays centred through the jump	Rider tips or gets left behind
Horse bascules and uses neck and back	Jump flattens; front rails more likely
Soft joints absorb landing	Stiff legs; jarring impact; pole risk increases

Working on staying balance in half seat is a great way to strengthen the posterior chain muscles

Anticipation: The Silent Jump Killer

Folding too early is one of the most common rider errors- and the most disruptive to jump quality.

“Riders who folded more than 150 milliseconds before takeoff showed a forward displacement of their centre of mass and significantly altered the horse’s trajectory.” (Clayton & Barlow, 2018)

“Early rider movement resulted in poorer bascule and more asymmetrical limb use during takeoff.” (Hobbs & Clayton, 2017)

Rather than guessing the takeoff, skilled riders wait for the feel of the horse lifting under them. Their body responds, not predicts.

This is why Pegasus Physio uses simulator jump grids: to isolate rider awareness, improve timing, and eliminate guesswork. Even closing the eyes while jumping on the simulator can reveal the difference between guessing and truly feeling the jump.

Waiting for the jumps to hinge forward- neutral spine and hip flexion rather than folding too far forward too soon.

How to Train It

Off the Horse:

• Squats and deadlifts (with lumbar neutral) build strength and body awareness.

• Pilates teaches control and isolation of the pelvis, spine, and hips.

• Squats off a step to work on balance.

  
  

On the Horse:

• Two-point hip hinge drills: Develops hip isolation and spine stability at all gaits.

• Hover rails in canter: Forces alignment through the jump without relying on the seat.

• Slow-motion video- especially with SymmFit clothing: Highlight posture and pelvic changes. Contrast panels and lines on tops and jodhpurs clearly reveals spinal flexion or tilt mid-jump.

  
  

  Have a look at the difference in body position and movement over 'good' and 'bad' jumps using slow mo and stills to see the difference in the lastest SymmFit blog post.

  
  

Pegasus Physio Can Help

• Rider-Physio sessions (on the simulator or in the saddle) looking at pelvic control, hip range, and movement timing.

• Posterior chain training for riders: Focused, progressive exercises to support jumping posture without tension.

• Video feedback: Freeze-frame analysis of your jump to review hip, back, and leg mechanics and identify the true root of faults.

  
  

Ready to Ride Better?

Book a Rider-Physio session, sign up for the video subscription (including video analysis of your riding) and explore why and how SymmFit clothes were designed to help you ride better. As when your body moves in harmony, your horse will be better balanced 🙌.

Reference List

1. Clayton, H., & Hobbs, S. (2017). The influence of rider position on equine jumping technique. Comparative Exercise Physiology.

2. Greve, L., & Dyson, S. (2019). Pelvic orientation and rider timing in approach to fences. Equine Veterinary Journal.

3. Peham, C. et al. (2018). Electromyographic analysis of rider stabilisation strategies in show jumping. The Veterinary Journal.

4. Münkel, C. E., et al. (2020). Lumbar motion patterns in elite show-jump riders. Journal of Biomechanics.

5. Clayton, H., & Barlow, D. (2018). Rider kinematics during jumping: Effect of timing on horse balance and trajectory. Equine Veterinary Journal.

6. Hobbs, S. J., & Clayton, H. M. (2017). Effect of rider movement on equine limb loading and jump symmetry. Comparative Exercise Physiology.