Horse Illustrated Magazine

Q: How do I keep myself from getting left behind my horse over a fence?

A: The first thing you can do is buy a neck strap or make one out of an old stirrup leather, and use it every time you pop over a fence.

It should fit like a martingale strap comfortably around your horse’s neck.

As you approach a fence, slip your fingers around the strap to keep your hands close to your horse’s neck.

When you hold on to the neck strap, your body naturally leans forward into jumping position as you approach the fence, and you’ll be less likely to get left behind when your horse jumps—even if he jumps big!

Hanging on to the strap also means that your hands will be quiet, soft and less likely to yank on your horse’s mouth.

Get more jumping advice:

9 Tips for Better Jumping

Ask the Expert: Finding the Right Distance

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2014 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!