Posted by Sandy
on 10/13/2006, 2:10 pm, in reply to "trotting without sturrups"
205.188.116.67
Your horse may be too sensitive to remain calm while stirrups are swinging loosely. Ask permission to 'cross your irons,' pulling down on the leathers until the metal buckle is approximately 8 inches from it's normal place. Next, cross the straps across the withers, smoothing out any lumps in the leather. Your stirrups will now be properly crossed in front of your saddle. Practice maintaining a position with your upper body slightly in front of the verticle. Allow your legs to hang down as far as they can go. Then bring your toes up without shortening your leg or gripping with your knees. Hold the saddle with one hand, helping to maintain a position where you are close to the front of the saddle. You should be able to draw an imaginary straight line from the back of your head, through your shoulder line, waist and hip area. Feel yourself opening up as if a string were pulling you upward from the center of your chest. There are many exercises designed to help you stabalize your position within the pages of my web site. Feel free to check them out and work with your instructor toward a safe and steady position.
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