My feet keep coming out of the stirrups

[flapjacks]

I am having trouble with my feet coming out of the stirrups. I think that this has been happening for the last few lessons that I have been using a different saddle. I feel like the stirrups are too long but my instructor says that they are not, it is a hip problem and I am not lenthening my legs enough. She had me put them 1/2 inch below my ankle which I know was too long. Also, I think my legs stay too foward and I tend to lean back.
All these problems are recent and I wonder if the configuation of the saddle has anything to do with them. I am also having trouble posting now. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Tootsie4U]

How long have you been riding? The reason I ask is because so many new riders have this problem and all it has to do with is practice and learning balance.

Some tips: shorten your stirrups even if you think your instructor will disagree. At least give it a try. You can also concentrate on pointing your toes upward. Doing that forces your heal down and inadvertently puts more pressure into your stirrup. Some people will tell you to concentrate on pushing your heal down but I think that just makes your leg and knee tight.... which does no good for your seat.

[flapjacks]

I have been riding for 4 months. I also have been riding horses new to the barn and are not used to staying on the rail and also that neck rein which I was not used to. This has all been very hard and so I am going to take a couple of lessons at a new stable to see if things will improve. I am still also staying where I am for a while in case it is just all my fault.

[Mazpup]

COuld you ask your instructor to start the lesson with your stirrups short and then gradually lengthen them during the lesson as your legs stretch more. If this is still too difficult ask your instructor if you could progressively lengthen your stirrups throughout the course of your lessons, maybe a hole every week.

[Palomino]

It takes time to build up the muscles in the legs so when you start it is especially important that you ride at a length that is comfortable.

You may have more luck at the new barn if you explain the problem to the instructor there.

[ojoisland]

I've had the same problem, the second time I started to learn how to trot, my foot keep jiggling and eventually falling off the stirrups. The first cause with mine, was the stirrups was too long. Fixed it, then it became that I kept losing the toes up heel down position. It's so true that the toes up/heel down really secures your foot in the stirrups. Since for me (just started riding in May), I haven't fully achieved the balance I need, my instructor just takes my stirrups away and so far it has worked and towards the end of the lesson, I get them back and shocking as it may seem, the length of the stirrup that I thought was too long is short, because as mentioned your legs had time to stretch. :)

[ilovemisty]

oh my god lol i have the same problem!!!!!!!!!

[Piaffe]

Work without stirrups reallly helps to lengthen your leg - your stirrups always feel short after such work!

You also may be gripping with your knees, which will make your lower leg rise up, therefore feet come out of stirrups!!

If your instructor isn't more 'constructive', I'd seek a second opinion - find another instructor! I agree with Tootsie, shorten your stirrups one hole next time.

If your instructor is agreeable, ask for some lunge lessons where you learn to balance without stirrups or reins - this should help too.

[Santorium]

I'm with Piaffe and Tootsie on this one, shorten your stirrups by a hole or two. It worked for me when I started out, as did lunging without stirrups or reins.

I'm also with Piaffe on seeking a second opinion.. The point of having an instructor is that they help you learn to ride, not dictate policy to you. My instructor will let me try pretty much anything as long as it isn't dangerous (sometimes just to prove that she's right I might add!)- it's an art not a science after all!

[Gods Property]

try taking some disposble leg bandage tape(the colorful stuff that is like 2 bucks) and rapping it around your irons for some extra grip