Unstable lower leg

[Kaz]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make my lower leg more stable?

It seems to be ok when i am in a 'light seat' but as soon as i sit in the saddle they start moving about everywhere!! It seems to be mainly in canter aswell.

I have a habit of tending to, when i canter, i canter with a light seat (cos its more comfy!! and when i'm hacking no-one can tell me otherwise!) but i am trying to 'sit' more in the saddle now and my unstable lower leg seems to be a result!

Thank you for any help
Karen

[nirikina]

Hi Kaz
Either I've not got good enough at the canter yet to begin perfecting my position, or I've already got a good position because my instructor has never said that my lower legs move about too much. Because the riding school horses I ride are lazy I have to keep my leg on to stay in canter, so the constant pressure might keep them still.
When you're working on a deep seat in canter you need to flex your hips and stomach to keep in balance with the horse. Obviously it's difficult to move this part of your body while keeping the rest of your body still, something like patting your head whilst rubbing your tummy! :-)
Try practicing the pelvic movements of canter while sitting on a chair at home and keeping your legs relaxed. It takes time to train your body to do specific movements.
Good luck!

[schimmer]

Wrap your legs around the horse's sides. This is a very gentle contact, a light feel of the horse's side down your legs, not a grip or squeeze in any sense. Just make sure you lower legs and feet aren't sticking out away from the horse. This position will help you stablilize your legs and allow your leg cues to be subtle and instantaneous, since you won't have to move you legs in against his sides to give a cue. You should maintain his position in all gaits.

Heather's book gives a more in-depth discussion of this issue.

At added benefit - you don't catch you feet in nearly as many bushes when out hacking!

[bettina1270]

You might be unconsciously gripping with your knee, making it act like a pivot for your swinging lower leg. If this is happening, then you'll notice that aside from your lower leg swinging, your heels will be coming up. This shouldn't happen, so make sure that your heels are firmly flexed and down, with all your weight in there.

Or, to help you even more, remove your stirrups! Without your stirrups to help you out, you'll find that your lower leg (note: NOT knee!) will have to be long and actually grip to keep you in balance. This is a very good muscle toning exercise, because it'll help you sit more correctly and develop the muscles for sitting correctly. It's tiring, but after a few no-stirrups sessions, you'll find sitting in the correct position with stirrups a cinch!

Good luck. ;)