Thigh Pinch

[Rachel C.]

Hi!

I am a bit confused about how to keep the thigh close to the saddle! It seems some people advocate rolling the knee in, and some rolling the knee outwards! I found to day that rolling the knee inwards, my legs felt realxed and secure plus it didn't make my feet stick out!! ROlling it out though It fellt insecure and uncomfortable.

Which way would be more inline with EE?

Thanks

Rachel

[Heather]

HI Rachel,

I never teach rolling the knee it, because for most riders, turning the knee inwards forces the lower leg outwards. I don't thin that I have aver taught one that it didn't! If you can turn your knee in and keep the lower leg wrapped around, good for you. I couldn't possibly turn my knee in and keep my lower leg softly in place, 'draped' as the Germans say 'like a wet cloth around the lower half of the horse'.

Turning the knee/thigh in, pinches the hips inwards instead of allowing them to open.

My knees do not turn out, the knee caps face forwards but never inwards. Initially, I do let the rider turn the knee slightly out, as this opens the hip joints and allows the lower leg to come close, using the inside, not the back of the calf.

Usually, I find that riders who have been taught to turn the knee in, can only get the lower leg in place if they bend the ankle inwards and the sole of the boot outwards. This looks too forced for my liking and doesn't make it is as easy to 'pulse' the calf muscle to give an aid.But if this other way works for you, then fine!



Heather

[Rachel C.]

I think I worked it out!

I have ridden with my knees "out" for so long with them off the saddle that when I say I was turning my knees in I was actually pointing them forwards! Thanks for the response!

Rachel