Keep feet still & legs down!

[horsey1992devon]

Hey :)
I have riding lessons every week, and I find that one of my main problems is keeping my feet still (they jangle about everywhere!) and keeping my feet on the tread of stirrup, because I tend to tense my legs up and they rise up off the stirrups...so combined with the dancing feet you can imagine there is a lot of clanging :o
With some horses I have no problem, but with some of them I am all over the place! :o
Any tips or advice? :)

[Gemsluvshorsesx]

i was wondering that exactly, ive had the same problem!

[eml]

Forget about your feet, concentrate on keeping your knees down and, mad as it sounds, wriggle toes. (will stop you from tensing leg!!)

[Darci]

2 POINT 2 POINT 2 POINT!!!! When your in a 2 point correctly your leg is usually back and your heels are down and still, in order to balance. Do a few laps of 2 points and then see if you can keep leg in the same position when posting. Also try work without stirrups to strengthen those leg muscles!! :D

[wonkeywoody]

sounds like your stirrups are too long for you at this stage. Firstly you need to learn to relax (I know, easier said than done!). Roll back on your buttocks allowing your legs to lose contact with the saddle (1st in halt, then walk etc) this will encourage you to deepen your seat and lengthen your leg. To combat the feet wobbling with out stiffening, try "pedaling" with your heels ie just lift your heel slightly up and down with each horse stride (alternate legs)
Hope this helps.

[horsey1992devon]

Hey, thanks for your advice, will try that out soon :)
in my lesson today I kept loosing my stirrups when trotting and nearly falling off. I never normally actually lose my stirrups :o
Thanks again :):D

[vimto92]

Hey, thanks for your advice, will try that out soon :)
in my lesson today I kept loosing my stirrups when trotting and nearly falling off. I never normally actually lose my stirrups :o
Thanks again :):D

Where your stirrups longer than usual?
Maybe as you were concentrating on keeping your legs still, you gripped with your knees?