Stirrups-no stirrups problems

[Roseanne]

Hi! Carrying on from the threads about keeping legs still, I have a problem when schooling riding with stirrups. I can keep my legs still in trot and canter with no problem, but as soon as I have to use the stirrups I feel awkward, and can't keep my legs still.

I've had a number of instructors who seem to have different ideas about where the toes, heels and legs in relation to the girth should be. Without stirrups my legs seem to settle in a natural position and there's no discomfort, and my riding is so much better,but with stirrups they tend to keep moving forward, my heel comes up, particularly in canter and I feel like a sack of potatoes! Help!

Roseanne

[jUmPingIsLifE]

it could be a number of things really.

A LOT of saddles are just not designed very good and just dont help the rider get the heel-hip-shoulder line that they want.

or it could be your stirrup legth- check to make sure they arn't to long which might make you want to reach for them and do what you said you are doing.

[Roseanne]

Thankyou - I'm not sure it is stirrup length causing the problem as I've tried adjusting and that doesn't work. When I ride in my dressage saddle, it isn't quite so bad, but in a GP, I never feel comfortable with my leg position. I've wondered if it is my own conformation at fault sometimes as I'm 5'3, but have quite long legs, and narrow hips, and I get a lot of thigh cramps, unfortunately usually at 3.a.m. in the morning-after I've had a lesson!

My mare is a warmblood and not as narrow as a TB, and as she is lame at present and I'm riding different horses, all of whom tend to be non-TBs, I really need to get on top of this problem before my legs seize up completely!
Incidentally, I don't have problems hacking out, it's only in the school.

Many thanks

Roseanne

[Roseanne]

it could be a number of things really.

A LOT of saddles are just not designed very good and just dont help the rider get the heel-hip-shoulder line that they want.

or it could be your stirrup legth- check to make sure they arn't to long which might make you want to reach for them and do what you said you are doing.

I liked your quote about not losing faith, and thought you might like this one:-

Yume no chikara - it's Japanese and roughly translated means "the power to make your dreams come true".

Roseanne

[dancing-horse]

My legs used to move around an awful lot when I rode and my trainer used to tie my stirrups to my girth, but some people think it's dangerous and Im not sure about your views on it. I'd try stnading up in your stirrups. my trainer has me stand up before I ride each day to strenghtem my muscles and have my heels streched. She also has me do 2-point no stirrups to strengthem my thigh, which my also help with you. The reason you probably keep your leg still with no stirrups is because of your balance. You know when you don't have stirrups that if you don't keep your legs still, then you'll most likely topple off. So, try and visualize not having your stirrups when you actually have them. You might also try strengthing your lower leg and practice some heel stretches.

[Roseanne]

Many thanks-the balance advice makes sense, and I will start doing some strengthening exercises.

Roseanne