Has anyone ever...

[Karin]

felt they should lower stirrups riding one horse (on a flat course), but raise them for another horse while on the same flat course? Should I always keep my stirrups the same length on the flats, just raise for jumping?

The reason I ask...my rising post felt correct on one horse, but I felt as though I was rising off my toes on another (he is very bouncy and I was riding with a longish leg). The only thing I changed was horses.

I know that if I ride with them down a notch, my leg position is more consistent. When I bring them up a notch my leg creeps forward and is not in line with my hip.

Yesterday, I forced myself to keep them long, so my leg was right but I lost my post.

ADVICE PLS.

[Mike]

I'm taking a guess it is a different design of saddle on each horse? This could easily force your leg into a different position for the same stirrup length.

[Karin]

Nope that would be too easy. I used my tack both times. The only thing that changed was the horse.

[Allie]

I think that would be normal. If one horse has a much more energetic trot, you are probably going to need shorter stirrups to deal with it. When I switched lesson horses, I also moved my stirrups up two holes because Bleu has a humongous trot, and I felt myself falling behind.

Also, I don't know how experienced you are, but often as you get better at trotting collected, you will need shorter stirrups. Maybe one horse trots more colected than the other?

Allie

[This message has been edited by Allie (edited 03 February 2000).]

[Karin]

I am a novice. And, I was glad to hear you've had a similar experience. I wasn't sure if I should force myself to keep the stirrups the same regardless of who I ride. Your message would suggest "no". Thanks Allie for the response.

[Allie]

Glad I could help, and good luck with your riding!

Allie

[bren]

For what its worth, I agree. I didn't change my stirrup length from my last horse 3 years ago and when I got Marty I had to lengthen it, now obviously my legs didnt get any longer (too bad) so the horse is different. Wouldn't the shape of the horse make a difference? Going from a rounder barreled horse to a slimmer horse (thats what I did) wouldn't it make sense to need a longer stirrup??

[olympicprincess]

I change my stirrup length when I ride my horses. I think it has to do with a combination of horse's conformation, training, stride, etc. It's not uncommon.

[Karin]

Thanks so much for your responses! I'll shorten them up tomorrow.