Could I be stuck with bad leg position for ever?

[kiwigirl]

Forgot to add to my previous thread, although a fab lesson I can't help wondering if I will always have bad ,eg position and it will never get better!

So out of intersest can you guys give me an indication on how long it took you to pretty much get it right. ie- number of times on a horse

[PonyGirlAsh]

Ooooh...I probably went for about 8 years before I was told about my leg position! I definitely didn't have it far enough back, and I was kinda doing the chair seat thing. I probably had about 7 or 8 lessons at a new barn, and they MADE me get my lower leg back, and wouldn't leave me alone about it until I did! Never rode the old way again. Just takes someone who knows what to look for and how to tell you to do it right really, and it shouldn't take too long, especially if you are just starting out. :)

[Fancy_mover23]

Just depends on your determination to get better. Usually, if your lower leg position is bad, that indicates that your legs are not strong. Maybe try doing no stirrup work, walk, trot, post, two point, ect without stirrups. It will strengthen your legs and make your position more solid.

No one can tell you how long it will take to get better, only you can tell yourself. Set goals, and stay determined, and you will get better.

[loopyh]

Hi I do agree with the previous replies although I don't have any advice I just wanted to say that I've just been told the same thing about my leg position and I've been riding for about 4 years now (someone has finally noticed!). I was writing really just to say your not the only one.

[Afellpony]

I've been told my leg position is good - but - I cant do any exercises that entail not having feet in stirrups as I have arthritis in my knees. It's too painful not to have my feet in the stirrups. So all those who dont like exercises without stirrups - you're lucky to be able to do them.

[loopyh]

I'm riding a lovely smooth horse at the moment and my confidence without stirrups is really improving. I used to hate it because the horse was so bouncy but last time I actually forgot that I didn't have my feet in stirrups:)

[Joyscarer]

I think that if you can get somebody to film you riding when you think that you are in the right position so that you can assess how far back your leg has to be in the 'wrong' position then things should improve dramatically for you.

Make sure to have someone film you regularly because as the new leg position comes more naturally to you then the less further back you will have to conciously have to keep it until you feels entirely natural and you muscles have adjusted :)

[sheryl]

Have you tried a different saddle?

I tend to have a lazy position in a GP saddle, and I get a bad back from sitting like a sack of potatoes!
My friend has a dressage saddle, that I have ridden her horse in. I was really surprised how much better my position was, because it naturally sits you upright. And, I didn't get back ache at all:)
I was so impressed, I have bought a dressage saddle for my horse;)

[doris]

If you stand up in the saddle, with your feet in the stirrups and find your point of balance without having to hold on, then gently lower yourself down, keeping that leg position, you should be sitting correctly. Ensure that someone his holding onto your horse so that he cannot move whilst you are doing this.
Sometimes, because we are trying too hard to keep position, this makes us stiff throughout our whole body, which in turn will affect how we sit. Basically, keeping shoulder, hip and ankle in alignment is easier if we are not forcing it. Also, trying too hard to keep heels down will give an incorrect leg position. Try to think of weight down into heel instead of actual heel down.
It is also easier if the stirrup is just behind the ball of the foot and not actually on the ball, or the toes, but it depends how your RI is positioning your feet - I don't wish to interfere with how you're being taught.