loose thighs

[paintlover]

I have trouble staying on the horse sometimes when it is cantering or when it is jumping. I fall off almost everytime I jump nad I have a show coming up on the 15 and 16 of june. this will be my first show. I really want to strengthen up my thighs cause that what my instructor says the problem is. Please help me

[skewbald]

try tensing the muscles in your thighs, holding for five seconds and then releasing give your legs a little shake and then do again when holding for five seconds becomes easy hold for ten and then fifteen and so on the great thing is you can do these exercises ant where at home watchin tv at school, work on the bus/train and i doubt any one will see you!!!

[floppy]

cycling is good too..but the only other way to get those muscles working that you need for riding is to ride!:)

[Allie]

bicycling and running are both great for developing the thighs. Or as another alternative, if you are still in school (I don't know how old you are - sorry!) you can probably use your school's weight room to do squats and other leg exercises. I had a weights class this year at school an over the semester my squat weight went up over 30 lbs. just doind squats 2 days a week. You should work one day, then take a day off (ideally you would do arms on day off, but hey I wouldn't blame you for taking the day off - thats probably what I would do if the teachers weren't making me do arms!), then lift again. You should have a day off in between lifting to allow the muscles to rest and strengthen. You'd be surprised how much muscle you can build up in a short time provided you are using the proper weight. Good luck at your first show!

Allie

[kedwards]

I've found that riding without stirrups is a great way to both strengthen your thighs and improve balance. If you can stay balanced fairly easily without stirrups, try doing posting trot and two-point position without stirrups. It's a bit masochistic at first (ouch), but it gets easier and it really does wonders for your seat.