Stabilizing My Leg

[IdahoRider]

I am a middle aged rider who is very much a beginner in dressage. I started lessons last December, had them weekly through the middle of January and then stopped due to weather until the end of March. Since the end of March I have had two lessons weekly.
I am really struggling with my leg position, which is effecting everything else. Today, during my lesson, my leg was moving so much that the stirrup leather was pinching my calf and I now have a bruise that covers my whole calf.
My instructor says that I have to keep riding through my leg movement, and to not stop even if my leg movement has caused my foot to travel around in the stirrup so much that my foot ends up resting on the outside branch of the stirrup (if that makes any sense). This is an issue at the posting trot.
I want to tie my legs to the freaking saddle, I am that frustrated with it. Does anyone have any advice on stabilizing my leg? Should I keep riding through, thinking that I will eventually gain enough strength to still my legs? Should I raise the leathers a hole?
Sheilah

[TBROCKS]

I used to have this problem. I still have it when I ride my WB...he's got a big movement that accentuates every problem I have :lol:
Maybe you're posting off your knee instead of posting through your seat? Standing up and down as opposed to swinging your hips through? Concentrating on that helped me. Stirrups that are too long, that you're reaching for, would in my opinion make the problem worse, so maybe you should ask your trainer about raising them a bit to see if it helps stabilize your leg. The dreaded "ride without your stirrups" can be a quick way to strengthen your legs. Don't forget, the more you ride, the stronger the muscles you need to ride will become, so be patient with yourself!

[Ambrey]

<.<

>.>

Don't tell anyone I told you, but sometimes a different saddle can help too. And half chaps :)

[IdahoRider]

I have questioned how long my stirrups are a couple of times and I did end up raising them a hole a couple of months ago (with my instructors approval). Maybe I should raise them another hole and see what happens? At worst I'll just drop them back down a hole.
I think what happens is that my stirrups, for whatever reason, offer no base to rise from and I end up using my knees. That knee use pinches my legs up even more, which causes me to feel like my feet are just swimming around in the stirrup.
I am riding in a Klimke-Miller (the older, original model). I recently rode in a friend's Wintec Isabel and loved it. I liked the deeper seat.
I have had a couple of lessons where nothing was working and it just felt like I was a day late and a dollar short, no matter what I was doing. Today's lesson was like that. I have always been able to work a little harder and set myself up for a really great lesson next time out when this has happened in the past.
I totally understand what my instructor is saying when she says that I need to just keep riding. If I feel like my foot is swimming in the stirrup, then I need to just step deeper into that stirrup to stabilize it and keep riding. As it is, I just stop and regroup before riding on. Not good.
I think I'll raise a hole and see what happens.
Sheilah

[Hampton Bay]

Can you try taking a lesson in your friend's Wintec? For someone who has not yet developed an independent seat, the saddle can make a big difference.

[IdahoRider]

I wish I could use my friend's Wintec. But, sad to say, she is using it herself and does not live close enough for me to have access to it.
I would love to own one. It was comfortable, and I felt really secure in it, too.
Sheilah

[allpurpose]

I find that if I'm weighting one stirrup more than the other, the "lighter" leg swings.

Try this simple exercise to check your seat: Stand up in your stirrups at the halt or walk and try putting more weight in one stirrup, then the other, to get the feel of being off balance. Once you can feel it standing up (grab mane for gosh sakes!), sit down and try it again. Then try to put equal weight in each stirrup both standing up and sitting down. Can you feel the difference?

Once YOU can feel it, have your instructor confirm that you are 1) off balance or 2) in balance! This weight awareness might help you keep your leg quieter!

Good luck!

[afastarabian]

I have trouble with my legs moving too much when I post the trot. I have to focus on keeping my knees off my horse and using the fat part of my calves instead. There is a ballet position that my instructor told me to think of, it starts with a "P", but I can't remember how to spell it.

My instructor has also been torturing me with ground pole work to teach me to keep my calves on without bouncing. I hate it, but darn it, it is working.

Somehow when I sit the trot it is not a problem, but one of my horses is just beginning training level, so it is back to posting and keeping my legs steady again.

[medical mike]

Would help pin down possible cause.

Regards,
Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us

[Ambrey]

OK, a little more info, since I've gotten my daughter to orthodontics and my son's baseball out of the way.

I'm like 6 rides into coming back from a bad injury, and have no strength. I have ridden my horse in my Schleese with pretty large thigh rolls and a really good fit for me, and a deep secure seat, and my mom's Wintec Pro which is too small for me and seems to have forward-ish stirrup bars. Plus I was riding with stirrups probably 2 holes too long.

The difference was amazing. My leg was all over the place, I couldn't keep it under me to save my life! This is the steadiest and smoothest trotting little guy on the planet and I was having trouble posting (of course, afterward I saw the pics and realized how long the stirrups were, but at the time I just thought... wow, this sucks!).

I felt so much better in my saddle on my horse (my horse is also wide and takes up a lot of leg. My mom's horse, also technically my horse, is a small narrow welshx).

If you could try a couple of different saddles it would let you know how much of it is your saddle and how much is you. I definitely need a lot of work on a steady leg, but I can honestly say that the difference between me on horse a in saddle a and me on horse b in saddle b is huge in terms of feel.

[IdahoRider]

LOL, it will be many, many months before I would be up for a video! Just the thought of something like that floating around makes my toes curl with horror.
I honestly believe that my leg position would be more stable if I were stronger. And the way to get stronger is to ride more. As it is I am riding at least twice a week (the lessons keep me honest). I would make so much more progress (or solidify the progress I do make) if I were riding 4-5 days a week and that is my goal.
I have been fairly resistant to raising the leathers a hole. I feel like I could have the stirrups as far up as they go and still not have a secure leg. I shouldn't have my whole foot jammed into the stirrup, all the way back to the heel. And when that happens, which was all the darn time today, I feel like I have settled into a chair seat and that my legs are in front of me and not under me. Nothing feels right and I end up stopping my horse, repositioning myself and then picking up a posting trot again. Which translates to a few strides of posting trot, stopping, repositioning and then a few walk strides before picking up the trot again. Repeat for 30 minutes.
Sitting trot is so much easier for me. My legs hang nice and soft. My knees are open.
I'll start with bringing the leathers up a hole and see what happens. And, although I love the fact that my saddle was such a bargain when I bought it used a few years ago, I will absolutely entertain a different saddle.
I appreciate the advice and support. I felt like such a big crybaby today. I am lucky enough to have a tolerant horse, lessons on a regular basis and there I was feeling sorry for myself. I hate being frustrated.
Sheilah

[Ambrey]

I think the BEST way to make the leg stronger is a really sadistic trainer who will take your stirrups away and torture you.

[merrygoround]

Try riding in two point. It will strengthen your lower leg, and also give you a feel for a steady leg. :yes:

[Trixie's mom]

Is the STIRRUP too big? Sometimes if a stirrup is too wide you'll swim around in it.

[IdahoRider]

I have wondered myself if the stirrup was too big. I would have to actually measure how much room is left when my foot is resting comfortably where it should.
I am riding today and will take a close look at just how much room is really there.
And I am buying half chaps.
Sheilah

[rileyt]

I think the BEST way to make the leg stronger is a really sadistic trainer who will take your stirrups away and torture you.


Respectfully, I disagree. No stirrups work can be helpful at the right point, and in the right way. But, the OP has already indicated that she feels like she is pinching with her knee/thigh to keep her balanced (which is a common and incorrect result of no-stirrups work when the rider isn't ready).

I have taught a LOT of beginner riders, and I'm betting 10-1 that your stirrups are TOO LONG. Your stirrups should not be set to some arbitrary height (e.g., the base of your boot). They should be set where YOU need them at your current stage of riding.

As you've figured out, you MUST have a stable base in order to be able to ride correctly. Beginners frequently need a shorter stirrup to begin with. Don't sweat the stirrup length. Put it where you feel it gives your leg the support it needs, and keep riding. In 6 months, try dropping it a hole.

The elegant, long, straight leg you see on professionals is the result of years and years of muscle toning and flexibility. Most amatures have no business riding with that long of a stirrup. Sure, its something to strive for... but its better to start with a shorter stirrup, learn to ride correctly, and get the feel for your leg stability... then gradually drop the stirrup down. Riding with no base results in a pinched knee, a swinging lower leg, and no improvement.

Good luck.

[Ambrey]

Respectfully, I disagree. No stirrups work can be helpful at the right point, and in the right way. But, the OP has already indicated that she feels like she is pinching with her knee/thigh to keep her balanced (which is a common and incorrect result of no-stirrups work when the rider isn't ready).

But then is the issue strength or balance? If the problem is that your legs are weak, no stirrups work can help- but how do you help balance?

I know core strength is a big part of balance (if I stand on one foot, I can feel the muscles in my ankles constantly correcting to keep balance, so I assume in riding your core is doing the same). But does riding with stirrups really strengthen your core much, or do you need to do outside exercizes?

I know that top trainers use no-stirrup work to build strength and balance in dressage, and every hunter/jumper trainer I've ever used has done no-stirrup work almost from the beginning. I can totally see what you're saying, though- that if it causes your leg to curl up, it can be counterproductive. Just wondering the best way to build strength without that problem!

[Eclectic Horseman]

I agree with the posters who say that the problem is more likely to be the rider's seat.

When you are standing on the ground, you do not have any problem with your legs moving around. :D That is because you have weight on your feet. When you ride, you do not have all of your weight on your feet. But if you ride with all of your weight on your gluteous maximus (butt), then you will have no weight in your feet and your legs will float around. You can correct this by riding in half seat (standing in the stirrups) but if when you get back in the saddle you sit back on your butt in chair seat again, the problem will not be corrected.

Riding is half way between standing and sitting. The rider does not sit on the saddle like he would sit in a chair with the angle of his hip at 90 degrees. That angle needs to be more open with the knee more perpendicular (not horizontal) to the ground. Some ODG used to say, "sit IN the saddle, not ON the saddle." The rider should have weight on the seat bones, the pubic arch, the inner thigh, and the knee. The leg should hang down loosely out of the hip socket. There should be no gripping anywhere in the leg. The foot should rest naturally in the stirrup with just the weight of some of the leg and the foot in it.

If you work on your seat, then the leg will take care of itself, with a little help from gravity.

[Ambrey]

The rider should have weight on the seat bones, the pubic arch, the inner thigh, and the knee. The leg should hang down loosely out of the hip socket. There should be no gripping anywhere in the leg. The foot should rest naturally in the stirrup with just the weight of some of the leg and the foot in it.

I don't get it. How do you have weight in your knee without gripping with it? You mean just gravity, no muscle tension?

[Eclectic Horseman]

I don't get it. How do you have weight in your knee without gripping with it? You mean just gravity, no muscle tension?


Yes, exactly--just gravity.

The only "muscle tension" is isometric--that is that the thigh muscles are contracted (like flexing your biceps) but they are acting on themselves and neither squeezing the saddle or opening the legs.

[dwblvr]

Without a picture or video, it's hard to tell exactly what the issue is. It could definitely be that the stirrups are too long. But, she says she's a beginner to dressage, not a beginner rider if i read the post correctly. If she has a good instructor who can help her from the ground, then i think getting on a lunge and dropping her stirrups and working on putting her weight in her heel with her toes up and in and sitting up would help strengthen her leg and improve her balance. I agree working without stirrups incorrectly can produce possible issues, but if she has a good instructor, then their focus should be on doing it correctly. Most often when someone works without stirrups, and then collects them back up, they realize how short their stirrups are because their leg has been stretched down. It may be a little sloppy in the beginning, and she may need to use the pommel for support until her legs get stronger, but this is a tried and true method of improving the leg and seat.

[rileyt]

But then is the issue strength or balance? If the problem is that your legs are weak, no stirrups work can help- but how do you help balance?

I know core strength is a big part of balance (if I stand on one foot, I can feel the muscles in my ankles constantly correcting to keep balance, so I assume in riding your core is doing the same). But does riding with stirrups really strengthen your core much, or do you need to do outside exercizes?

I know that top trainers use no-stirrup work to build strength and balance in dressage, and every hunter/jumper trainer I've ever used has done no-stirrup work almost from the beginning. I can totally see what you're saying, though- that if it causes your leg to curl up, it can be counterproductive. Just wondering the best way to build strength without that problem!

Probably strength. Probably flexibility. Perhaps balance. EH is right in that the problem probably IS in the rider's seat... I suspect a lack of flexibility in the hip joints, and inner hamstrings that prevent the rider's leg from hanging down correctly and providing a base of support. But, for my money, I'd probably vote to shorten the stirrups a bit (while working on my seat/flexibility) rather than keeping them where they are and working on my seat. That's just my 2 cents. Flexibility develops over time, and in the mean time, if your lower leg is swinging, there WILL be too much weight in your thigh and seat, and it will interfere with the horse.

My main complaint with no-stirrups work (especially at the posting trot), is that its EASY to post the trot if you grip with your knee... but its incorrect and SOOO detrimental to the development of a good seat. (I see this ALL THE TIME in hunter barns... everyone drops their stirrups and trots around for 30 minutes and all you see are a bunch of people gripping with their knees!). Your lower leg needs to be firmly anchored to the horse, and that requires a LOT of muscle (ironically, the OUTER stablizing muscles more than the inner "gripping" muscles). You can certainly do exercises, but it also helps to just make a committment to yourself that you are going to keep that lower leg VERY VERY still when you ride. The outer stabilizing muscles that you use to keep your leg still, are also the same ones that attach to your core and allow you to move your seat in any direction you need to, without moving your lower leg. I'm a big fan of core exercises from the ground, because unless you're riding 6-8 horses per day its easy to lack the strength you really need.

Riding (with or without stirrups) when done correctly, does build core strength. And, if you're doing it right, riding without stirrups really shouldn't be any harder than riding with them. Your weight should not change.

[monicabee]

I noticed that when I rode in a clinic on my very green horse suddenly my stirrups were too long and I actually lost one at one point - yet nothing had changed except my tension level!

When you are tense or bracing in your body, it will reveal itself through movement in the lower leg.

I still work on this every time I ride.

Sit on your horse and become aware of your leg and how it touches the horse. Try lifting your toes (rather than pushing your heel down). Feel your hip angle fall as open as it can. Let your arms hang from your shoulders and lift the bottom of your ribcage. Let your head sit lightly on your spine. Let your hands hang from your wrists. Now everything should feel even and without tension anywhere. Try and maintain that feeling at a walk. If you can think of your legs as an elastic band hugging the horse rather than as a "base of support" it may help.

Become aware of where you personally hold tension in your body. Initiate the trot when you feel good at the walk. Then let the horse's motion send your hips forwards while everything else stays elastic. Keep your toes up. Maintain the trot as long as you can without getting tired. Many short trots feeling good are better than going round and round in a braced position.

[johnnysauntie]

My leg has been a mess - I'm a re-rider that's 6 months into it. I'm finally starting to develop a more secure seat and steady leg (tho I still have a way to go) as I've improved my fitness.

That said, in addition to seconding the Wintec suggestion above, I also found that using leather (vs suede) half chaps also helps.

[IdahoRider]

Yes, the first 8 lessons back from the winter weather break was on the longe line, without stirrups. In fact, the first few lessons my instructor had me attach a grab strap to my saddle and hold unto that while lifting my legs up and off.
I thought for sure I was going to come off at the trot, but much to my surprise my butt sank into the saddle and I was secure enough to relax my death grip on the grab strap. I kept saying "oh my God", over and over again. It was that awesome.
That exercise caused a huge break through for me, as far as my understanding of just how much the butt plays in the overall security of my seat. Before that, I was absolutely convinced that it was my gripping thighs that kept me secure.
I have made progress in these last couple of months. I can keep each individual piece together, but am still such a beginner at dressage that I struggle with bringing all those individual pieces together at the same time.
I have ridden my whole life, and had a decent, secure seat. But dressage is new to me, I have a middle-aged, round body with a lot of dings and dents from back problems. The precise riding of dressage is what attracted me to it, and that kind of softness and precision is what I am aspiring to. I want to be a better rider. I'll be safer, my horse will be happier and riding will be a joy and not a chore. I am so thankful that my instructor is supportive of me, and yet pushes me that little bit extra that I need.
This thread has been so helpful. I truly appreciate everyone's contributions, and the responses have been way more than I hoped for.
Sheilah

[dwblvr]

Probably strength. Probably flexibility. Perhaps balance. EH is right in that the problem probably IS in the rider's seat... I suspect a lack of flexibility in the hip joints, and inner hamstrings that prevent the rider's leg from hanging down correctly and providing a base of support. But, for my money, I'd probably vote to shorten the stirrups a bit (while working on my seat/flexibility) rather than keeping them where they are and working on my seat. That's just my 2 cents. Flexibility develops over time, and in the mean time, if your lower leg is swinging, there WILL be too much weight in your thigh and seat, and it will interfere with the horse.

My main complaint with no-stirrups work (especially at the posting trot), is that its EASY to post the trot if you grip with your knee... but its incorrect and SOOO detrimental to the development of a good seat. (I see this ALL THE TIME in hunter barns... everyone drops their stirrups and trots around for 30 minutes and all you see are a bunch of people gripping with their knees!). Your lower leg needs to be firmly anchored to the horse, and that requires a LOT of muscle (ironically, the OUTER stablizing muscles more than the inner "gripping" muscles). You can certainly do exercises, but it also helps to just make a committment to yourself that you are going to keep that lower leg VERY VERY still when you ride. The outer stabilizing muscles that you use to keep your leg still, are also the same ones that attach to your core and allow you to move your seat in any direction you need to, without moving your lower leg. I'm a big fan of core exercises from the ground, because unless you're riding 6-8 horses per day its easy to lack the strength you really need.

Riding (with or without stirrups) when done correctly, does build core strength. And, if you're doing it right, riding without stirrups really shouldn't be any harder than riding with them. Your weight should not change.

To me, this is where a good dressage instructor comes into play. I've seen people drop their stirrups and post/sit completely wrong as well, but if you have a good instructor with a good eye for correct position who can work with you then why shy away from it? The more you do it, the better you get because your leg and core muscles begin to "remember" and become much stronger.

[HORSEBACKRIDER]

Have you tried double posting? I use that to get my leg back under me and it helps me become much more stable.

[HORSEBACKRIDER]

Oh, and longe lessons also help to work on position -- leg under, not pinching with thighs and knees, and opening the hips.

[Ambrey]

IdahoRider, thank you for asking the question that started the thread :) All of us dressage greenies can benefit from the answers!

[medical mike]

Is that riding will get you to a point, then it is necessary to do off horse strengthening...

So...
Progression is:
Place some 2x4's stirrup width apart on the ground, place the balls of the feet on them, elevate the soles to parallel with the ground, keep them there while attempting a mini-squat. Once you can perform say 60 seconds at one time...........

Get yourself a balance beam 6' should be long enough (secure a 2x4 on edge to some sufficient support) and simply try and balance on it for starters.....next is walk across it , then walk across it in a side step fashion. Don't drop your heels, don't lock your knees.

YOu can also get a slideboard and practice going into and out of splits that are "stirrup width". You are pushing out and pulling in the lower extremity as a unit. DO NOT lead with the knees....

Have fun..

Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us or .com

[Ambrey]

If you can't get a good trainer to torture you without stirrups, MedicalMike will do a good job without a horse at all!

[Moderator 1]

Just a note that we've banned IAMFEI, who joined the board yesterday apparently with the sole purpose of harassing another poster. We've removed a number of posts from this thread as a result.

Thanks,
Mod 1

[Ajierene]

Another thought - I went from hunter to eventing and did dressage in my old collegiate event saddle for a few years. I was finally convinced that I am not a child anymore and my butt is adult sized and needs an adult sized saddle. Tax refund came around and I was able to buy two new saddle - close contact and dressage. I sat in the close contact just fine, but the dressage was so different - even to a 'hybrid' like an event saddle - that my instructor laughed at me when I sat in it.

I was told to ride at a walk for 30 minutes a day until the next lesson and we would go from there - anything more and I would not only not be sitting correctly (she showed me how to sit, where to put my legs, etc), but I would 'damage' my mare. I did have to initially keep adjusting my legs - they kept wanting to be more forward because of the deeper seat.

My stirrups also started out shorter and were lengthened as I got used to the saddle.

It might be helpful to you to just go back a bit and spend a few days with shorter stirrups, at a walk, just concentrating on where your legs are supposed to be in the saddle, then start working on small trot 'bursts' going back to a walk before your legs get messed up. I'm not sure how helpful this would be, not being sure how long you have had your saddle or how you started riding in it, what you rode in before, etc.

[lorilu]

Medical MIke, when you say "walk across it" (the balance beam) do you mean down the length of it? First in a regular walk (facing the direction you are going) then facing foward but moving left or right? I assume on the balls of feet, with heel still elevated to parallel to floor?
thanks
Loretta

[Melissa.Hare.Jones]

Saddle fit is critical to balance. Can you post a from-the-side photo so we can see you in yours?

Stirrup length is critical to balance.

The training of the horse is critical to balance. (If the rhythm and or pace is unsteady, or the horse is high-headed and hollow, it can be nearly impossible for the beginner to stay centered.)

Rider fitness and flexibility is critical to balance. It is impossible to be fit enough to ride well if you're only on a horse 2x per week, especially if this is your only fitness activity. Yoga can help with balance and suppleness, but nothing beats working out with a good personal trainer a few times a week to develop your core and overall strength. You need the fitness trainer the same way you need the riding instructor - proper form means everything to developing proper function.

Your instructor is critical to developing proper position and balance. Lots of people teach. Many don't do it well. Just a little incorrect advice can keep you from making correct progress.

Patience is critical to dressage. Learning theory, strengthening your body, learning to follow instruction without being distracted by it, learning to monitor what your body is doing without being distracted by it, learning to feel the minute (and not so minute) shifts in the horse's balance and being able to adjust your own balance accordingly... this is the work of years, not weeks or months.

If you don't want to post a video here, I'd suggest taking a lesson or two with another qualified instructor for a second opinion. It can be eye-opening.

Good luck!

[dwblvr]

I absolutely agree with Melissa that strength training and working out with a personal trainer is key to good riding. I'm always surprised with riders that don't work out to gain these benefits for their riding and then complain that they are too tired and stop when the horse starts to do well. I don't however, think it is "Impossible" to be fit enough to ride well if you can only ride two times a week particularly if you are active and work out and work with good instructor that pushes you to ride well. I just think that is too broad as there are many people who ride several days a week and don't ride well and tend to develop extremely bad habits and there are others who can only ride 2x a week but ride extremely well because they make those two rides count and concentrate deeply on what they are doing and make the most of it. and if they also work out 4-5 times a week then they have the stamina to ride those 2 rides very well!

[IdahoRider]

I rode yesterday and tried the leathers up a hole. I have to say that my leg did feel more stable and my foot stayed in the stirrup without all that banging around in the iron. I didn't loose either stirrup and my foot didn't end up sitting on the outside branch of the iron on the right side (which is my weakest side).
But, I kept asking myself if my leg was now too short. I was riding alone and had nobody there to ask if it looked too short. It just felt like my legs were not hanging as long as they should? But I am too much of a beginner to say for sure.
I can't afford to pay for lessons 5 days a week, and yet it seems to me that I have gotten to the point where I am not getting anywhere when I ride by myself.
Sheilah

[Ambrey]

But, I kept asking myself if my leg was now too short. I was riding alone and had nobody there to ask if it looked too short. It just felt like my legs were not hanging as long as they should? But I am too much of a beginner to say for sure.

Ask your trainer next time you have a lesson how your leg looks. I've seen people in shows do a good job with a less long stirrup, although the long leg is the elegant look :)

[charismaryllis]

better to get your leg secure and then work down the holes. i have the same problem--i get tense and my leg creeps up and i post out of the tack. or i'm good at the trot and then canter out of the tack. (but as soon as i drop the stirrups completely, my leg falls in the proper position and everything's great--until i lose my balance and start sliding off sideways. :lol: )

oh the joys of re-riding. :D

[Ajierene]

I rode yesterday and tried the leathers up a hole. I have to say that my leg did feel more stable and my foot stayed in the stirrup without all that banging around in the iron. I didn't loose either stirrup and my foot didn't end up sitting on the outside branch of the iron on the right side (which is my weakest side).
But, I kept asking myself if my leg was now too short. I was riding alone and had nobody there to ask if it looked too short. It just felt like my legs were not hanging as long as they should? But I am too much of a beginner to say for sure.
I can't afford to pay for lessons 5 days a week, and yet it seems to me that I have gotten to the point where I am not getting anywhere when I ride by myself.
Sheilah

Just give them time to stretch, then you can try longer stirrups. This is what my instructor did with me and her other students that were either getting back into riding or switching from another discipline (and she gradually raises them for jumping - she's evil....).

Charismaryllis has a point also - just like horses, different people have different confirmations. You just might need shorter stirrups than other dressage riders.

[Ambrey]

better to get your leg secure and then work down the holes. i have the same problem--i get tense and my leg creeps up and i post out of the tack. or i'm good at the trot and then canter out of the tack. (but as soon as i drop the stirrups completely, my leg falls in the proper position and everything's great--until i lose my balance and start sliding off sideways. :lol: )

oh the joys of re-riding. :D

I really love this thread. Seriously.

a) I'm not the only one, b) I have some ideas to try and get over it.

[slc2]

I think you're WAY too worried about this and expecting WAY too much from yourself. As my mom said, 'Things take time - LET THEM'.

Part of learning dressage is that innate EAGERNESS to just feel like a damned fool up on the horse's back, and to not care if that feeling doesn't stop real soon.

I am a middle aged rider who is very much a beginner in dressage. I started lessons last December, had them weekly through the middle of January and then stopped due to weather until the end of March. Since the end of March I have had two lessons weekly.

--that's 4 lessons, and then 16 lessons, two a week for 2 months.

I am really struggling with my leg position, which is effecting everything else.

--you're a beginner, you've had 18 lessons, if you KNOW your leg position needs improvement, and you're WORKING on it - you're doing fine!

Today, during my lesson, my leg was moving so much that the stirrup leather was pinching my calf and I now have a bruise that covers my whole calf.

-- Sounds like you're not wearing appropriate boots and pants. Tall boots can be had used or inexpensively and will protect your leg.

My instructor says that I have to keep riding through my leg movement, and to not stop even if my leg movement has caused my foot to travel around in the stirrup so much that my foot ends up resting on the outside branch of the stirrup (if that makes any sense).

--It does.

This is an issue at the posting trot.

-- After 18 lessons, it SHOULD be an issue at the posting trot.

I want to tie my legs to the freaking saddle, I am that frustrated with it.

-- You're too hard on yourself.

Does anyone have any advice on stabilizing my leg?

-- Ride 5 times a week for six or 12 months.

Should I keep riding through, thinking that I will eventually gain enough strength to still my legs?

--Yes. Keep going, keep riding, don't stop. That's how you get fit. Don't stop til you are really out of breath and can't take any more (assuming you're healthy and exercisiing like that is ok), the start back up as soon as you possibly can. If you walk or rest too long your heart rate will drop back down and it will be that much harder to start again.

Should I raise the leathers a hole?

--Most instructors have beginner dressage students ride with a very slightly shorter stirrup leather already. Shortening it too much will make your leg too rigid, and push you up out of the saddle, and close your ankle and hip, making it harder for you to stabilize your seat and deepen it in the saddle.

--It may sound funny to say 'You're a beginner' if you already have ridden alot, but riding dressage is a whole new deal, and you'll use muscles in ways you never did for any other type of riding.

[medical mike]

You are correct for stage one......Regular heel toe walking.

For the second part, The feet are perpendicular to the beam with soles of the feet kept parallel to the floor. It is a "step to" gait vs. regular "step through". YOu can also simply try and balance in that position......which is significantly harder than balancing on a face down 2x4.

REgards,
Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us

[IdahoRider]

slc2-your post made a huge amount of sense to me. Everyone has made such a great contribution to the topic.
Sheilah

[charismaryllis]

oh, and as for bruises--are you in your own tack? i ride school horses, and school tack, and--well, lets just say i hope the scars go away someday. it's better since i've gotten my own stirrups and leathers, but in the summer i ride in paddock boots, so i have to be super careful of where my leg is. it's/i've gotten better with time, but i would sometimes get off the horse and be bleeding. :eek:

[IdahoRider]

Yep, I use my own tack and lesson on my own horse. I ride in paddock boots. And I wear jeans. I stopped at the only real tack store around yesterday and looked at half chaps. I think I might be a little too obsessive about the details, but I walked out without buying a pair because they didn't have a matching color for my Ariat paddock boots.
I am heading to California next month for the U.S. dressage team selection trials and I keep thinking that the vendor booths there should give me a decent shopping opportunity. Maybe I'll find matching half chaps there. And I need a new helmet. And my horse needs a new girth.
Sheilah

[Melissa.Hare.Jones]

Ugh. Jeans can be a big OUCH producer for beginners. The seams are in just the right place to rub and bruise you. When you shop, look for schooling tights with half or full seats, then put your half chaps over those. MUCH more comfy.

[lorilu]

Thanks, Medical Mike. I'll add that to my list of exercises.
L