Posted by Katie W
on 2/22/2008, 1:05 am, in reply to "Strong lower leg"
64.228.89.70
Hi Angelica,
One of the best things you can do, if you haven't already, is get a good riding instructor. They will know you and your horse and can pinpoint exactly what should be done to correct any errors in position.
I do have a few suggestions though.. Riding without stirrups is a great exercise with one caveat: it must be done correctly. If done incorrectly, you can actually worsen your position. Your coach can go into greater details, but here are the basics: Either cross the stirrups over the front of your saddle or let them hang. Stretch your legs out away from the saddle as far as you can comfortably (to enable a closer contact) and reposition your legs as if you were riding with stirrups (bend your knee slightly and bring your toe up). Remember to keep proper alignment through your hip and heel.
Depending on your level of confidence, you can ride without stirrups on the longe line or off. Doing things like medium circles and serpentines at the walk and trot will help improve your balance and in turn, loosen your gripping knee. Eventually, again depending on your confidence, you can do these exercises at the canter.
Be sure that when you ride - regardless of whether it's with stirrups or without - that you point your toes just a hair to the outside (your left toes point a little left, your right toes point a little right). This will take your knee slightly off the saddle so you won't be able to grip. This can be done at any gait.
As a position check, pick certain areas in the arena, or your riding area, to think about your knees. For example, pick the corners. When you approach a corner, ask yourself if you're gripping with your knee. If you are, ever so slightly tip your toes out. If you're not, then great!
Again though, I highly recommend finding a good riding instructor if you haven't already. Take care & let us know how it goes. Hopefully some of the other board members will chip in with some advice.
Katie
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