I have some confusion about a proper automatic release...
here is a pic i found that shows an automtic release.


but everyone is telling me that proper position over jumps should be that the body is up and slightly vertical. which is correct?

Is that Sandsablaze? No?? That pic is in the book "Hunter Seat Eq" by George Morris. The body position you are describing is correct for small fences. You should learn it first, then develop your own style based off the correct basics. If I am not mistaken, this rider is now a pro? Can't remember the name, I believe he is doing junior jumpers in the pic, his position is 100% correct. It is years and years of hard work to attain this level of riding!

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It is years and years of hard work to attain this level of riding!

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Pshaw - I looked like that all the time when I was doing hunters.

He's prob a little down in front but you cant really tell how high that jump is either, everyone is going to jump slightly different! I'm interested to hear what people say!

I think it is 4'. 'Cause I saw the pic in my book!!!

Oh yes. And I rode the legendary War Admiral over my bridge for sale in Arizona!!! LOL!!!

You are skeptical....I must take photos next time!

Well, I just have to jump in and add a totally useless factoid. London Bridge actually is in Lake Havasu, Arizona. But I don't know that it's for sale.

Yup..sure. Why doncha come down and show me on my trainers Prelim horse????

Speaking of, i was jumping my horse over a xrail the other day, and my trainer told me to release more. So, instead of lifting my hands farther up his neck, which I think is what she wanted, I put my hands kinda like where they are in that pic, along the sides of his neck, without really realizing it. I was really just trying to giv him more rein, and my trainer's like, "who taught u an automatic release?"

How much your body leans forward depends on the size of the jump. If you're just hopping over 2' stuff you wouldn't be leaning so close to the neck. If the jump is 5' then you will be way forward especially if the horse has a good bascule. When you're learning you usually push your hands up along the crest of the neck. An automatic release would be for a very experienced rider who has an entirely independant seat and hand. Different country's riders have different styles too.

Yeah, even in the same country. Check out Aaron Vale compared to Beezie Madden. Or compare Anne Kursinski to Margie Engle.

LOL - I love useless factoids. When I tell hubby something he always rolls his eyes and says "how did you learn THAT?". LOL

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Yup..sure. Why doncha come down and show me on my trainers Prelim horse????

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Meh, not worth my time.

******snicker*****