Lower Leg position

[nz_horse_chick]

Recently I've started getting lessons and my lower leg has gotten much better and my horse has also gotten a little more responsive.

I generally am quite concious of my position but I know there is much yet to be desired. But it seems that whenever I squeeze him on, my heel comes up and my whole leg tenses up. It also doesn't help that my saddle pushes me forward so I'm not sitting on my behind [am soon going to remedy that as soon as I have enough money for a new saddle, mines crap]. My horse is an ex-racer and I have to squeeze really hard to get him to get him moving forward or he just wanders along like we have all the time in the world. To keep him walking forward nicely should I ask him once then re-inforce with whip or just keep asking him with my legs as he tends to take a couple of nice active strides, then slowly fall back to a wander.

What can I do to
a) Get my horse more responsive to lighter pressure from my legs and seat.
b) Keep my heel down and relaxed without tightening up when asking him to move forward.

Thanks =]
Emma and Chockie

[SarahC]

Hi,

Sorry can't help but just wanted to say hope that somebody answers as I have exactly the same problem with my heel when I try to squeeze! So your definitely not alone in this problem!
Anyone got a magic wand???!!!!

S

[acw295]

I do the same thing too :( - so interested in your replies. I am fine on forward going horses, my postion is ok for someone who's just come back to riding, but on something that needs some leg it all goes to pot, especially in canter.

[Susara]

should I ask him once then re-inforce with whip or just keep asking him with my legs as he tends to take a couple of nice active strides, then slowly fall back to a wander.

I've been told to re-enforce with the crop rather than to keep asking with the legs:

First give a nice polite 'ask' aid with your leg. If he doesn't respond _immediately_, ask more firmly a second time; more of a 'tell' than an 'ask', together with a verbal 'walk on' or tongue click. If he still doesn't respond, use the crop _immediately_.

So it's ask-tell-crop, and it's important not to wait too long between these.

Many people feel it's important to apply the crop at the position of the ignored aid; in this case just behind your inside leg. Other say a tap on the bum is ok. Most agree not to use it in front of the saddle, on the shoulder. This is just a tap; see it as a natural extention to your leg aid rather than a reprimand. If he doesn't listen to the tap; then you can make the tap harder and use your voice as well.

The idea is that he should learn that things are just going to get more uncomfortable the longer he ignores your aids; so it will be easier for him rather to just listen the first time when he's being asked nicely.

I think you will find that you will tense up less with your legs if you don't try to 'kick' him so hard. Also remember not to use your _heels_ to give the leg aid; use the inside of the calf. That's usually the reason why the legs to up on applying the leg aids.

[Afellpony]

If you are sitting correctly in the saddle your legs should just be hanging down close by the horse's sides. Keeping your heels down and your leg in the same correct position, just press them against the horse's sides and give a little squeeze without bringing your heels up. All it is really is a sideways movement. Never bring your legs up and dig your heels in.
You must keep the legs relaxed. because any tension in the legs tends to push you out of the saddle.

[SarahC]

If you are sitting correctly in the saddle your legs should just be hanging down close by the horse's sides. Keeping your heels down and your leg in the same correct position, just press them against the horse's sides and give a little squeeze without bringing your heels up. All it is really is a sideways movement. Never bring your legs up and dig your heels in.
You must keep the legs relaxed. because any tension in the legs tends to push you out of the saddle.
Thats the problem....I know what I *should* be doing, but old habits die hard, especially with horses that are not so 'off the leg'. Trick is...how to break the habit...any exercises to help? Besides, no stirrups..I school with no stirrups regularly and although it helps other things, it doesn't seem to make much difference to this particular problem!

S