I think you might have a point about it being a male build thing but the reason is off a bit. Women almost always have a lower center of gravity than men due to a heavier pelvis bone structure, thighs and hips (even if she is well endowed!). So in general I would think a woman would have a more stable lower body naturally but as you said less freedom of motion and basically less position options that work.
Thanks 
Thanks for all your replies. I really was just curious…And being a dressage rider not familiar with some of the names you guys mentioned.
While we are on the topic of jumping position, why is it that you often see men sitting very upright in the canter with their elbows out to the side? I don’t recall seeing that as much with the lady riders.
[QUOTE=ChelseaR;7632914]
I think you might have a point about it being a male build thing but the reason is off a bit. Women almost always have a lower center of gravity than men due to a heavier pelvis bone structure, thighs and hips (even if she is well endowed!). So in general I would think a woman would have a more stable lower body naturally but as you said less freedom of motion and basically less position options that work.[/QUOTE]
Whoops…I knew I was way too sleepy to be writing anything so technical that late at night. And I still can’t really think of how to describe what I want to say…I think need some horse and skeleton dolls or something.
Anyway, I just found this article, which is interesting. We aren’t quite performing single leg squats over the jumps, but some of the tendencies do seem to fit what we see in riders
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-douglas-fields/olympic-differences-men-women_b_1745276.html
[QUOTE=Donkerbruin;7631224]
http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/d6/36/d6363341df4615f511645e47ab094e62.JPG?itok=Jy-h8g7g
I know it’s probably impossible to maintain good equitation over a Puissance wall, but this seems a little much.[/QUOTE]
'A little much" of what?? How would you ride that kind of drop?
Having never had the talent to tackle a puissance wall, (or a Badminton XC course, or the Grand National Steeple Chase) I have, however, had the opportunity to watch them with interest and I just don’t understand what you find objectionable about that riders position. 
One is bound to “hail a cab” every so often when jumping HUGE fences but you say it’s “a little much”? You’re kidding right??
I’m surprised no one has posted a video of Annette Lewis’s interesting jumping style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOjL0dYM3Uk
That said with any upper level jumper, if you can stay on a horse over those sized and put it some clear rounds I’m not gonna judge their leg.
[QUOTE=skydy;7633961]
'A little much" of what?? How would you ride that kind of drop?[/QUOTE]
I wouldn’t. 
Aaron Vale is one heckuva rider (and a nice guy). All I’m saying is that I’ve seen him ride in these Puissance classes and he is the only one who makes such a show of the landing.
[QUOTE=Jive;7634010]
I’m surprised no one has posted a video of Annette Lewis’s interesting jumping style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOjL0dYM3Uk
That said with any upper level jumper, if you can stay on a horse over those sized and put it some clear rounds I’m not gonna judge their leg.[/QUOTE]
I thought of Annette Lewis as soon as I started reading this thread. I read somewhere that her unconventional flying leg was due to her riding pony jumpers who were a bit too small for her–she threw her leg back to avoid hitting the jump.
