leg-strengthening exercise tips pls! RS schoolie takes advantage of tired legs!

[stormchaser]

I can't control Chiz in canter when my legs are tired. Today's lesson was a bit tougher. For some reason RI has been pushing me hard lately. For two hours straight we tried extension/collection of gaits at trot, sitting and rising trot without stirrups, as well as canter without stirrups, doing that while steering harrowing small circles (:eek: ), trotting poles, 20-inch cavaletti etc. Towards the end our canter was all rubbish and he wouldn't steer... we were bulldozing all around the school, narrowly missing the pillars holding the roof up :p , loosing stirrups etc.

I need exercise ideas to strengthen legs! Anyone? Don't have access to gym or exercise equipment. Need something I can do at home or at the barn.

(nevertheless it was a great lesson! :) )

[atillathefun]

Did your legs ache the next day??
If so which parts i.e inner thighs
If you know which part aches then thats the part you need to strengthen :)
Once you let me know then I can think of some exercises

[stormchaser]

okay... the top part of my upper thighs hurt. rest of the legs are okay!

[atillathefun]

Ok I think your talking about your quads (the muscles down the front of your thighs? One good exercise for this is Deadlifts
You stand with your feet shoulder width apart pref with a bar or something in your hands in front of you (you could use anything a broom, whip etc) Relax your arms down in front of you holding the bar with your hands facing backwards. Now squat down (as if going to sit on a chair) keep your arms straight down and then stand back up straight and repeat. The bar (or broom etc) should be going from you standing straight down towards the floor as you squat and then straight back up again as you come up. The really important thing is to keep your head up and your back nice and straight through the whole exercise. Keep your feet flat and pointing forwards.
If you wanted to work your bum for an added extra as you stand up from the squat push your bottom forwards and tense it for a few seconds then relax back and squat again.
I realised it isnt very clear so have drawn a picture - dont laugh at it :D lol

ETA: Another easy to do exercise is so sit on a chair with your back straight and lift your leg out in front of you hold for 5 seconds then do the other one. Repeat

[stormchaser]

Good suggestions! Thanks muchly for your post! (and the cute pic! ;) My quads are just dying to do these exercises (not!)