Jumping

Question
I just started jumping a couple months ago, and my teacher always tells me that i keep closing my shoulders when i need to keep them open.                                    I have barrel raced for about ten years and i am 12 so  pretty much my whole life. In barrel racing you kinda close your shoulders, so thats what im used to.    Do you have any tips or tricks to keeping my shoulders open??? I will take any tips on being a better jumper . . . Your comment is appreciated  ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Answer
Dear Jessica,
One thing you can try is an old mechanical trick that a very British instructor once taught me. Now it is no replacement for learning proper posture (which takes time and practice). What this technique does is teach you WHEN your shoulders are out of position. Have a friend or your coach place a piece of white cloth tape (the kind used to apply bandages) across your shoulders (yes- on your skin- not your shirt) when you are standing with your shoulders in a correct position. When you begin to close your shoulders when you are jumping- the tape will tighten and "remind you" to open them up.
I hope this helps.
S. Evans