Out-of-saddle exercises to improve leg position

[Purplehorse]

Hi

Does anyone know of any exercises you can do out of the saddle to improve your leg position, get your heels down etc.

I have heard of balancing on a step as if it was stirrups and pushing your heels down, but if anyone has another tips that would be great! :)

Thanks

[ANN H]

Standing on a step on the edge of your toes and 'bouncing' is supposed to help. Also, standing in your stirrups when riding at a walk is supposed to lengthen your leg and lower your heels, even if you need to hold on to mane to balance! I've found that squats and lunges before I ride seem to help as well.

[cvb]

remember its not just your ankles you want to work on. You need to work on hip flexibility as well, so stretches on hip will help as well. Check out pilates and yoga for safe ways to do this kind of work.