The Word from Wofford
I’m taking jumping lessons with The Legendary Jimmy Wofford. In addition to being one of the great event riders and coaches, he also was a MFH of Piedmont,as was his wife, Gail.
First day of the cross country training was a description of the dynamics of the rider position in the saddle.
The back of the knee needs to have a 90 degree angle as the base. No extra padding under the knee/leg as it turns the knee out, losing the use of it as a grip. If there is padding, the lower leg will slide backwards, out of control. Then, one also can’t use the lower leg or heel as only a separate cue.
From his book, Training the Three Day Horse and Rider, pg. 36
“The knee roll should stop at the point of the knee and not continue down the skirt of the saddle. Long knee rolls will cause the knee to open and slide backwards in the landing phase of the jump.”
Most saddles are cut too vertically down from the pommel to allow the comfortable 90 angle. There are many that look like they go forward, but don’t actually angle from there. He thinks that a pencil roll in the very front of the flap is all that is needed. If the flap is cut properly the leg will stay put from the physics of the balance. He wants the flap cut forward enough to allow 1-2 more holes of shorter stirrups for training the gallop and strengthening the rider’s legs.
The stirrup bar position has to be in right place on both sides of the saddle. You should be able to easily stand in the stirrups and feel like you can move in any direction. It is easy to keep your balance. You aren’t locked into any position, so you can adjust to whatever terrain and obstacles come your way.
He has designed a few saddles himself, and they have his signature. They are worth ferreting out. They never were production saddles, so they are quite rare. He has had Stackhouse make some saddles for him. That is why Stackhouse can get the position right. The one that Stackhouse made for Jimmy for the team, had to be under 10 lbs. because the total required weight of tack and rider was 165 lbs.
My saddle is a custom Stackhouse for hunting. I think I had it made in the early 90’s. It is comfortable, and has the balance. I’m teaching the green beans to jump, so I’m testing the range of motion.:eek: Even when the stirrup leathers feel like they might be vertical- the wrong direction- I’m able to center, stay on and ride.
Since I want some extra cushioning for my damaged back, I’ve added a sheepskin seat saver with some very thin poron between the sheepskin and the seat.
Please consider picking up a copy of his book. There is much more detail than I have given. I haven’t recieved my copy of his new one yet. But, I bet there will be even more sage advice there.
