Two point?

[BeachRiding]

I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Can someone give me a basic how to of two-point?

[Keket]

I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Can someone give me a basic how to of two-point?

What exactly are you having problems with? Balance? Hands? Heels? Leg position?

[BeachRiding]

Uhm, just staying in two point at all, I can't do it I just start posting!

[Keket]

Uhm, just staying in two point at all, I can't do it I just start posting!

Ah... Well, my first thought was that your stirrups were too long, but then I remembered that yours tend to be too short, so that's not the problem. I'd say the problem is your leg. Two-point requires a good strong leg, and it's painful to learn. And I seem to remember that you're having a problem getting your leg underneath you? If I try to two-point in a chair seat, I tend to fall back into the saddle. Keep the weight down through your heels, keep a light grip on the horse's sides, leg underneath you, look up, shoulders back.

Can you do it at walk?

[horse_crazy]

make sure your feet are underneeth you, and stand up on all of your foot, with your waight spred evenly across your stearips, don't push your heals down, as it makes your leg shoot forwards and you will fall back in the saddle.

[BeachRiding]

Keket- Yes I can do it at walk, but not for very long and I have to hold the mane.

Guess I just need to work on strengthning my legs.

[vonandiz]

This is a helpful and timely thread as I'm learning (struggling with) this now... can just about manage a few laps of the manege in trot before my legs give up. My RI has said that if your legs start to hurt (read burn) then you're doing it right! The idea of doing in canter scares me silly. Good luck.

[Styric]

Two point is much harder if you don't keep your leg steadily at the girth. If you swing them, that will pivot your upper body and make it that much harder.

[doolally_tap]

Sorry - totally dumb question! What is two point? Is it another name for sitting trot?

[kirstie]

Willielove

Found quite a good artice explaining it and giving exercises e.c.t

Two Point Exercises (http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/17814/1195/9)

[BeachRiding]

Willielove

Found quite a good artice explaining it and giving exercises e.c.t

Two Point Exercises (http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/17814/1195/9)
Thanks!

[cvb]

WillieLove

whether it is fitness or balance, practicing off the horse will help....

away from any wall or prop, soften and bend your knees, with your feet apart as if you have a narrow horse between them. But start in a "normal" (dressage/schooling) position. Hold your arms as if riding. Breathe.

How does that feel ? Remember it will be more work as you normally have a horse there to help ;)

Ok. Now bend the knees some more so you sink down slightly more, and this time you are allowed to fold slightly at the hip, keeping the back straight, so the body comes forward a little. The hands will probably advance a little as well. Keep breathing - stay there for a second and come back up to "normal" riding position.

In our local aerobics class we do "narrow" squats and wide squats. Both are good for the muscles to do 2 point on a horse. In both cases we will do singles, doubles (twice as long to go down and up) and 3 counts down 1 up, or 1 count down 3 up. We will also "pulse" (small movements) while down. Have a play and see what you can cope with right now;)

[EMMYOH]

Sorry - totally dumb question! What is two point? Is it another name for sitting trot?

No Doolally it is another name for forward seat or jump position.

Oh and I strugled with it in my lesson on Sat, kept standing up!! Need more practice!

[LMS]

Ever been on a springy diving board? Or any springy platform (having a brain fart right now... you know the ones kids like to jump on?)

Ok next time you're on one, squat ever so slightly as if you were in 2pt, and & open & close your hip angle (so it's pushing up & down with your legs on the platform). Only your hip/knee joint will open & close, your feet never leave contact, get into a 1-2 rhythm like the trot. Imagine you have a book on your head also.

That should give you the idea & feel of the 2pt at the trot as well as provide entertainment for others around you:D

For riders that can't get into the swing of things with the 2pt, I put a neck strap on the horse, get them to hold on to it close to the withers (depends on the horse size & rider arm length).

Then again, I also remember you having problems with your legs because you're fighting with your saddle, so I'm not surprised you're having a hard time with this position. Did you find a riser for the pommel?

Edit: trampoline! Took me a while!;)