Legs - strengthening them up

[Virago]

I'm back riding regularly after a break of a few years. I can't tell you how good it feels! However, I'm experiencing a real weakness in my left leg (partly because I am right-handed thus my whole right side is stronger, and partly due an ankle injury from a fall a few years ago.)
This weakness is making it hard to have effective and balanced leg aids, especially with the slightly reluctant-to-move horse I rode today!
Anyone have any top tips for either strengthening my lower legs or achieving more even and effective legs aids?
I guess my legs will get stronger the more I ride but I would like to have them both at an equal strength.

[floppy]

stand on a step with your heals free and sinkt your heals down, hold this for a while. and then relax. Repeat 3x.

or your can do it without the step that you go on tiptoes and just lower yourself up and down - better effekt is without going completely down with the heals.then you can do that on two legs, or just one sided. going slower is harder.

howlong you do is up to you, but make sure the breaks are good and you loosen yourselve up and do 3 sets

got loads of other ideas. but there is a starter for you! (physiotherapist in training so you can trust me:p )

[horsedolls]

stand on a step with your heals free and sinkt your heals down, hold this for a while. and then relax. Repeat 3x.

or your can do it without the step that you go on tiptoes and just lower yourself up and down - better effekt is without going completely down with the heals.then you can do that on two legs, or just one sided. going slower is harder.

howlong you do is up to you, but make sure the breaks are good and you loosen yourselve up and do 3 sets

got loads of other ideas. but there is a starter for you! (physiotherapist in training so you can trust me:p )
i did this and trust me , it worked miracles! my legs were a freakin lot stronger in less than a month!
i did it every other day
i would push my heel down for 25 seconds, but after that i would go up on my tippy toes for 15 or so seconds, and do it again.
i did it 3 times and had much much MUCH inprovement.

[bellazebra]

LOTS of work in a light seat and standing up in your stirrups!

I used to do three hours a week working in either a light seat, or standing up. And I mean three hours a week, that's all. It strengthens your leg, moves your leg underneath you, and helps you to have a long, effective leg. It HURTS for a while (I too have a weak ankle, on the left) and I ended up in tears at first on more than one occasion!

But sheer determination and not wanting to be shown up in front of a very scary RI got me through and now I have legs like a Russian shotputter and no weak ankles!

[Iron Maiden]

Cycling is good to build up both legs evenly, you can't really cycle up a hill one leggedy! I mashed my right knee a couple of years back, couldn't put any weight on it for 6 weeks & it was mega-atrophied when I was able to walk again, obviously the other leg was super-toned! I hopped on the bike, it was a bit tough at first but after a while I could push pretty much evenly with both legs. Keep your heels down when you push though!

[Bay Mare]

Pole dancing is great fun, women only and great for strengthing all of your body (legs, tum, bum, back, arms ....). I did a couple of courses and THOROUGHLY enjoyed it. The ones that I do are for women who want to have a go but aren't looking to do it for a career. The classes are usually held in pubs so it's a very social event (in a private room, though, they're not done IN the bar).

Polestars is the company that I've done mine through and was specifically set up as an exercise class rather than a career class! They also do Burlesque at my local dance studio but I don't think that works so much on your body as it does on your confidence :)

[Iron Maiden]

Well BM, now you've told us about that I think an alternative career is a must.....!!! Much more fun than cycling. My surgeon advised me against 'disco dancing' because apparently it'll shake the nuts & bolts in my knee loose. He also reckoned horse riding was to be avoided cos it's dangerous, ah hell life's too short........