Balance

[jools]

Hiya

Just picked up riding again after 12 years and Im finding it hard to keep the weight down in my heels.

Does anyone have any tips to help me?

[kedwards]

It may be that you are gripping somewhere along your leg or in your knee.

It can also happen if you are stepping into the stirrups and kind of "standing on your toes" rather than letting the weight of your leg fall down into them.

Some people find it helpful to think about raising their toes a little rather than thinking about lowering their heels. Another idea someone once mentioned to me was to concentrate on keeping your heel touching the bottom of your boot.

[LMS]

Aaah, growing older... the body doesn't respond the same after a sabatical! :D
You could just focus on the heels but it would be more beneficial to include a warm up from head to toe when on the horse. This will benefit your position, balance, independance (body parts) as well as have you ready for any work within your riding schedule.

There are threads that have great info of what you're looking for, if you don't mind searching. But I'll PM you exercises that you can do to promote a lower heel.

LMS