"Hi, I'm working towards my BHS Stage III riding in August. I was lucky enough to be a rider in a standard setting day where the examiner, Tim Downes, said my flatwork was good but I would be a fail because my lower leg wasn't secure enough when jumping. My knee tends to grip and my lower leg swings back. So far, none of the instructors I use have been able to help and most say the saddle isn't helping. I jump lots of different horses in different saddles and when it comes to my exam who knows what I will have to jump in. Please help, as I feel Im wasting my money on all the jumping lessons I'm having. Eileen."

H&C blogger and Olympic three day event rider Sharon Hunt replies: "Of course different saddles make a huge difference to the way I ride. If the saddle isn't balanced and it is tipping you forward, it will definitely make you grip with your knee. Perhaps this needs to be addressed.

The most important thing is having enough weight in the stirrups. Perhaps a good way to practice would be cantering around in a light seat, keeping the knee soft.
When you're jumping make sure you don't have too bigger fold at your waist - maybe keep the upper body a little more upright as this could help. You could also try having some lunge lessons without stirrups. This would help you develop a deeper seat and improve your balance, but a better lower leg comes with experience and a lot of hard work. I work on mine everyday! Good luck. Regards, Sharon."