You look pretty good for someone who hasn't ridden in so long.

As you said you didn't mind constructive criticism ...

To me, in the first pictures - your stirrups look a bit too short, your legs have come forwards and your bottom is out behind you, making you behing the movement or centre of gravity of the horse. Having said, the saddle doesn't loook to be helping, it looks pretty forward cut and sat too far forwards on Fred (although it could be the picture). Also, I'd like to see your hands help up higher, straighter and with your thumbs on top, they are also a bit 'in your lap' at the moment, which is brining your arms lower than ideal - there should be more of an 'L' shape to them, although you don't want your wrists to become to fixed, particularly if he's sensitive in the mouth. Think of 'opening your hips' which will help to release your thigh and knee's and bring your lower leg backwards slightly.

Your jumping postition is pretty good from what I can see - your lower leg works better for you over jumps as it gives you stability! You've not thrown yourself forwards over the jump, which is good as it keeps you in better balance with the horse. Try to give more with your hands, at the moment, although your reins are long enought to not catch him in the mouth, it's better to give more with the hands and shorter rein contact than keep your hands static - as should he need more contact (i.e. if he pecked or stumbled or when fences get bigger) you are in a position to release more with your hands to allow him to use his neck to balance himself.

You could try jumping with a neck strap, as that will help you to give with your hands over the jumps.


However, you don't look as bad as you think, so don't put yourself down so much! After such a long break from riding you look fine

Also, Fred doesn't look 100% comfortable in those pictures, although you did he say he was stiff. Has he been looked at by a chiropractor or physiotherapist lately?