Help please!!

[puzzles]

:D Hi guys!

I would really appreciate any advice on strengthening my lower leg, improving my seat/balance and coordination.

Tall order I know,:rolleyes: but as I'm riding more (i'm helping someone with her horses) and having weekly lessons now rather than fortnightly/3 week-interval lessons as i was, I'm hoping that this will also come with experience and practise.

So does anyone have any tips that can help?

Thank you very much in advance,

Emily

:D

xx

[Afellpony]

Try riding without stirrups. Obviously the more you ride, the stronger your legs will get. Walking a lot helps as well, dancing (energetic dancing) is good and cycling.

[Showjumper]

Ditto walking - my balance and strength has improved a lot since I started properly walking while out with my dog instead of slopping along behind him. Now when I walk him I make a conscious effort to keep my stomach muscles engaged, breathing deeply, moving rhythmically and doing as many hills as I can find.

Definitely working as I'm riding better and my stamina's improving :D

[kirstinbell]

I found that yoga balls are great for both strenghening your leg and improving balance.

I use mine to practice using my legs as I would on the horse and then spend some time sitting on it - again as you would on the horse and I really helps with your balance and position - its also great for opening up your hips!

[puzzles]

Thanks very much guys, you're all fab as usual! :-)

I'll try these out - sadly I can't get a gym ball (thanks anyway!! :-) ) but I will definitely try your other ideas

xx

[Bay Mare]

Also doing some work on absorbing the movement can help to stabilise your legs (have a look at the 'Kinder Way' section of NR).

[gl1]

Ride a bycycle with no saddle or do some runnig! it really works - I was in the household cavalry, so what do I know!

I wish i was a 15 year old girl, then I could really help!

[Wally]

I too aggree that learning to use your seat with the help of Heather's advise will filter down to your toe toes!

[CurlyWurlyRach]

i do loads of cycling (not passed my driving test yet ;)) and ive been told i have legs of iron :o

[Miriam]

Ride a bycycle with no saddle or do some runnig! it really works - I was in the household cavalry, so what do I know!

I wish i was a 15 year old girl, then I could really help!

How long ago were you in the household cavalry? Do they normally teach you to ride a bycycle without a saddle?

[horse_crazy]

lots and lots of work riding with out stearips! deffently improves your ballence and the strength in your lower legs.

[Joyscarer]

Ride a bycycle with no saddle or do some runnig! it really works - I was in the household cavalry, so what do I know!

I wish i was a 15 year old girl, then I could really help!

Gosh you have a big chip on your shoulder :eek:

Why don't you try dealing with your own insecurities and then come back on here when you feel able to post non-sarcastic and constructive comments.

[joosie]

Riding a bike without a saddle??? :eek:Sounds like some kind of mediaeval torture...

[tasha]

You can get bikes without saddles, only they aren't designed for distance riding!

[puzzles]

Hehe, thanks peeps - I will definitely try these!

xx

:-)

ps - come to think of it, i used to cycle a hell of a lot and my lower leg was very strong and stable then ...

[eventingrules]

lots and lots of 2-pt (jumping position)!! I actually find it harder to do at the trot than cantering or galloping, but I do it all gates to help my leg become more stable and supple. Just make sure that you aren't stiff or too far forward with your upper body....let your ankles and knees act as shock absorbers. This also really helps with balance, especially if you do it without grabbing mane:D
Obviously, the more you ride, the stronger you will become.

[Gemsluvshorsesx]

i do loads of cycling (not passed my driving test yet ;)) and ive been told i have legs of iron :o

Ditto, cycling works wonders! It works the right muscles. I like to cycle straight before I ride as it prepares the muscles and I find my co-ordination is much better on horseback if I do this. My legs are stronger too :)

[LindaAd]

At the RS where I ride, pretty well every lesson starts with standing in your stirrups for several circuits of the arena, at walk and at trot. They say it stretches and strengthens your lower leg, and helps your balance ....

I used to do it out on hacks too, but for shorter times: I would stand for two strides, then sit for two strides, then double it to four strides, and so on up to twenty or more. Or stand for as long as I could, then sit for the same number of strides, stand again, and so on.