No control over my right leg!!

[horsemad]

You may remember my previous post about having problems with my leg position in my new Easysit saddle. Well, now I have knee blocks for the saddle and in general, I'm very pleased with it.

However, I still have a problem with my right leg position - I know this isn't a fault with the saddle, but it seems to be more exaggerated with the Easysit. I have always had difficulty controlling my right leg when riding - I bring it too far back, my right toe sticks out more, I find it hard to put weight down on my right heel.... This has always been the case, but it seems to be more exaggerated with my new saddle.

I think this problem may stem from my right hip - I have noticed recently that when I've been riding a lot, I get a bit of pain and stiffness in my right hip, so I'm assuming the two things are connected.

So - I think I have established where the problem is coming from (thats the easy bit!). The next thing is to work out what to do about it - any ideas? Do you know of any exercises, on or off the horse that I can try? Has anyone had a similar problem?

[Kerry's Partner]

Hi,

I'm no expert at all but noticed you hadn't received any replies yet so thought I should share with you my experiences!!

It may be that this has nothing at all to do with the saddle - just to do with the opening of your hips and the bit of discomfort that may result in the case of the stubborn hip!!!!!!!!!!!

I found that this disappears fairly quickly. I also welcomed the feeling because I "knew" I had a problem with opening my hips anyway - for me this didn't come naturally when on horseback.

Good luck.

Sandra

[alleycat]

You might want to see a chiropractor. Could be that your hip is just a bit out of position and can be manipulated back into alignment. I have this problem with my left hip and shoulder, and go for fairly regular adjustments to keep me balanced - and pain free!!

[horsemad]

Thanks for your replies. I know I do have problems opening up my hip joints - I find it just about impossible to get my legs wrapped around the horse properly.

I did wonder why one side was affected more than the other - you might have the right answer alleycat! I wonder if I have had this problem all my life and just haven't noticed it before. As I said, I have always had more of a problem keeping control of my right leg when riding, but it seems to be more pronounced recently - I don't know if this is because of my new saddle, because I'm riding more now (4 or 5 times a week, rather than twice a week), or just because I'm getting older and stiffer !!!!!!! :eek:

[CityGirl]

Alleycat-
In addition to going to a chiropractor - you might also want to look into some yoga. It is gentle & will help you stretch those hip muscles while strengthening them at the same time. I think there is a book out Yoga for Equestrians by Linda Benedik that might be of interest.

[alleycat]

Thanks, CityGirl, yoga is great too. Sadly at the moment it's all I can do to pay for riding lessons, and really, that's just no choice at all, is it? ;) I'd love to be able to continue yoga, and maybe some pilates or alexander technique as well, but the money can only stretch so many ways. Maybe I'll take a break from study in a few years, and workig full time I'll finally manage to really work on correcting my posture wholistically.

[Kerry's Partner]

Remember that, as I did, you might find that continuing riding and accepting that bit of discomfort might sort out any problem you have anyway!!! Everything takes a bit of time I think. I hope it does anyway. I certainly could not have afforded other things too. However, the discomfort for me was tiny compared to all of the anguish about getting your legs in the right place and still in the first place - AND all of those other saddles on the horses I've had lessons on in the past - some of which drew blood I have to say - yes blood!!!!!!!!!

Good luck.

[Joy Esau]

You seem to have a similar problem to my "sharer". She has an old injury which affects her position and she tends to collapse at the hip a bit and draw her right leg back.

Having explored various options I think we have come to the conclusion something like a good course in Alexander Technique would help but as you say it does cost a lot , and to do it "properly" is currently outside our resourses.

Eventually we have found a riding instructor who has some Alexander background and while it is not exactly "a fix" she has really managed to help in a way that some other instructors haven't. Even if we only manage a lesson a month it is better than nothing.

I see how frustrating something like this can be and wish you well in your search for a solution. As is so often the case I am sure you will have to think long term as there is very rarely a "quick fix"

Joy

[galadriel]

I've just learned that I am much weaker to the right than to the left, due to overcompensation on the left from bursitus (in both hips actually, but worse to the right).

My phys. therapist has me doing exercises to strengthen my back, has me doing them equally on both sides (says it will eventually even me out). I asked her if they were safe to pass along; she says anyone can do them, but they shouldn't hurt--if they hurt, find something else to do :)

http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=133699#post133699