I am desperate for help with my lower leg position...

[Tazzie]

I'm not sure when this started, but at some point last year my lower leg went from being nice and steady underneath me to shooting behind me, completely throwing off my upper body position and balance, especially when cantering and jumping.

I didn't ride all winter. As of this spring as I got back to riding I have worked very hard to get my lower leg back where it belongs. And it's just not working. When I put my lower leg where it belongs it almost feels like I am in a twisted position. I don't know why. And the second I take my mind off my leg or I get tired it just swings back on it's own.

Most people have problems with their legs too far forward, I'm the opposite, I am desperate to get it back forward where it belongs!

This problem is strongly affecting my ability to ride my horse correctly, especially over fences. When my leg is in the proper position I can feel that it is right and it's reflected in my balance with my horse over fences. However it just won't stay where it belongs.

If anybody has any suggestions then please PLEASE help me. I am getting very frustrated!

[Lose That]

Ride without stirrups. A lot. All the time. Walk, trot, canter and jump gymnastics.

[luise]

Do you have any pictures? Any change in saddle, horse, etc?

[Tazzie]

Ride without stirrups. A lot. All the time. Walk, trot, canter and jump gymnastics.

If I ride without stirrups does that sort of automatically put your body in the position it needs to be in? I guess I'm curious on why that works. And also - if that is what works then I'll do it! Thank you very much!

[WeDoItAll]

I'm not sure when this started, but at some point last year my lower leg went from being nice and steady underneath me to shooting behind me, completely throwing off my upper body position and balance, especially when cantering and jumping.

I didn't ride all winter. As of this spring as I got back to riding I have worked very hard to get my lower leg back where it belongs. And it's just not working. When I put my lower leg where it belongs it almost feels like I am in a twisted position. I don't know why. And the second I take my mind off my leg or I get tired it just swings back on it's own.

Most people have problems with their legs too far forward, I'm the opposite, I am desperate to get it back forward where it belongs!

This problem is strongly affecting my ability to ride my horse correctly, especially over fences. When my leg is in the proper position I can feel that it is right and it's reflected in my balance with my horse over fences. However it just won't stay where it belongs.

If anybody has any suggestions then please PLEASE help me. I am getting very frustrated!


Hmmm ... I wonder if it is a saddle problem? Perhaps you've grown?

[Arcadien]

Alternate riding without stirrups days with days riding with stirrups jacked up a few holes higher than your normal jumping position - and going around standing at trot & canter until your legs stop hurting up there.

Also, the ole tried & true exercise, 5 counts standing straight in stirrups, 5 counts angles closed to jumping postion, 5 counts (sitting, or posting if trot)(try to do it all without holding on to anything, but best to have a neck strap at first so if you lose balance can grab that instead of reins)... repeat ad infinitum. :)

It will come back - it's muscles we're talking about, they just need the "pain" to make them rebuild/adjust the proper way again!

Cheers,
Arcadien

[Tazzie]

Do you have any pictures? Any change in saddle, horse, etc?

Luise - Same horse. As for the saddle, I was riding in an all purpose saddle that had a very large knee roll. That saddle might possibly have been the initial cause of this problem. As of this spring I am riding in a Stubben Edelweiss Jr. I am only 4'11" so the 15" seat size is perfect for me. I can obtain a photo (probably this week) and add it for you to see.

[Tazzie]

Wow, I'm getting some fast responses on this! Great!

WeDoItAll - I am 32 so I haven't grown. Same weight too.

Arcadien - I had been wondering if I maybe need to lower my stirrups, but you're saying raise them so I'll do that instead! And the 5/5/5 exercise, I'll do that to. I normally have good balance over all but I'll still be using a neckstrap in the beginning b/c my balance is off now. I hope it all comes back!

[luise]

15" sounds really small. Like, child size. I'm 5'2" tall and ride in a 17". I used to ride in a 16" saddle, but when I started doing XC my knee came in front of the flap.
Work without stirrups will definitely help. Also, even just standing in your stirrups at a walk, trot, etc, will put your leg in the right spot.

[Lose That]

If I ride without stirrups does that sort of automatically put your body in the position it needs to be in? I guess I'm curious on why that works. And also - if that is what works then I'll do it! Thank you very much!

Well, it helps. There is not automatic "fix-it" or else we would all have perfect positions. Just make sure you are wrapping your whole leg around the horse and not pinching with your knee. Do you have a trainer to help you?

[europa]

2 point 2 point 2 point....then more 2 point....helps to achor the foundation and for balance.... both of which it sounds like you are lacking and gripping with the knees if your lower leg is swinging back.

Good luck.

Strength in your base is the key to having good position and control over fences.

[Sebastian]

If I ride without stirrups does that sort of automatically put your body in the position it needs to be in? I guess I'm curious on why that works. And also - if that is what works then I'll do it! Thank you very much!

Won't "automatically" put you in the correct position... More like forces you to find it, because without stirrups you're forced to use strength and balance.

The lower leg going back is classic symptom of pinching with the knees. Don't think about the lower leg. Think about your knees. Keep them relaxed and OFF the saddle, and your weight in your lower leg. Also, another good little trick -- when you work with out stirrups, don't think about pushing down in the heel, think about lifting the toe... Sounds crazy, but it will help.

Wouldn't hurt to have someone knowledgeable check your saddle fit -- for you. Fighting a saddle that doesn't fit you properly can cause all kinds of problems.

Good Luck!
Seb :)

[LKF]

What everyone has mentioned (especially the 2-point position) are all really important to work on.
Your saddle does sound REALLY small and could be part of the problem. The other thing is if you're riding with your shoulders too forward and tipping on your crotch, you're going to grip with your knees. Gripping at the knee will pop your lower leg off and it will slip back.
Also consider looking into a good saddle with large thigh blocks that fit on the underside of the skirt flap behind the calf area. It will channel your leg to help keep it in place.

[CanTango1]

I just went through this ( and still am )....

I had never had any issues with my lower leg, Quit riding , missed it bought a new horse bought a new saddle to go with him and bam... My riding sucked ( Eg wise, It didnt help hes and OTTB and green green green ) but tried everything !!

Lots of transitions, lots of grids, 2 point, no sturrips to no avail. Finally rode in a differant saddle and my leg was perfect again ... Seriously check your saddle, I had grown and I know you have said not but your bodys constantly changing regardless if its body weight.

Sometimes it really is just that easy..... ( uhhh not that saddle shopping is easy ) :lol::lol:

[Ajierene]

15" sounds really small. Like, child size. I'm 5'2" tall and ride in a 17". I used to ride in a 16" saddle, but when I started doing XC my knee came in front of the flap.
Work without stirrups will definitely help. Also, even just standing in your stirrups at a walk, trot, etc, will put your leg in the right spot.

I am 5' 2" and I ride in a 17" dressage and 16.5" close contact. Something similar happened to me - I was riding in a 16" saddle for over 10 years - same saddle. While most people go through body changes that include widening of the hips when they are in their early 20's, I did not gain weight or have body changes until my mid to late 20's. My saddle and position were fine (though my trainer kept telling me I needed a new saddle that fit better) until I did not ride for a few months. Came back and just could not get my seat back. One tax refund and two new saddles later, I am riding much better.

I would think a 16" saddle would be better for you. Your lower leg issues may very likely come from the flaps not being long enough for your leg. I would think it is something to look into.

[WW_Queen]

I second the idea of shortening the stirrups. My coach had me do it excessively (ie, while hacking, flatting, ANYTHING) at cross-country length or a tad shorter. I also had to turn my toes out (I know, cardinal sin) but that helped glue my calves to my horse's sides while working on those muscles that will "fix" your legs into place. :)

[OneDaySoon]

Courtesy of Jimmy Wofford who cured me in ten minutes (!!!) try this tip:

As you go up to and over the jump pretend that you will be landing on your feet - or feet first. So on take off and throughout the jump, really concentrate on where you lower leg will need to be in order to land on your feet. And think about how you will want to land with bended knees with your heel slightly forward on the saddle, and push your butt/balance backwards a little bit in the saddle, concentrating on a nice soft and balanced landing on your feet. It's a good defensive riding position which is really helpful especially on XC.

It doesn't take much practice to get your mind and legs around this concept -and sure beats riding without stirrups! Life's too short ;). Honestly you guys work too hard :lol:.

[Tazzie]

I really do think the saddle is a good fit for me - but I could be wrong. I'll have to post a photo for opinons. I'm really 4'10.5" and around 105 lbs, slim build. My previous saddle with the large knee roll was definitly a problem, but it's possible that my Stubben is also a problem.

I'll be printing up a list of these suggestions and working on all of them, I'm determined to get my leg back where it belongs!

Also - I forgot to mention this in my first post. I do have a trainer but due to $ I don't get to take that many lessons. However she is always around for advice. She has helped me understand that I was pinching with my knees, therefore the first thing that I have been working on controlling is to let go with my knees. I have gotten far with that and rarely pinch with my knees, which is a good first step. But even with relaxed knees my lower leg is still swinging back. I'm sure that a combination of all these ideas will eventually get my leg back into the right place!

I'll get a photo soon of me in the saddle.

[lstevenson]

I would bet money that your center of gravity is too far forward. This causes you to grip with your knees for security, and that causes your lower leg to fall back and the weight to come out of your heels.

Make sure your stirrups are short enough (look for close to a 90 degree angle behind your knee at the halt), and work on your two point, making sure to push your hips back, which keeps your center of gravity over your feet and fixes your problem.

You should be able to keep your balance in all three gaits and over small jumps with no support of the reins or the horse's neck. If your horse is suitable, tie your reins in a knot and ride with your arms out to the side to test yourself.

Good luck!

[naters]

Thanks OP for posting this! Some great ideas here that I plan to utilize for myself.

[FlightCheck]

Take your gloves off and put each one between your calf muscle and the horse.

Ride at walk, trot, and canter without losing gloves.

[hopefull]

I have had the same issue...It might just be the Stubben. When I ride in my old Crosby PDN (no blocks or rolls and completely flat) my leg is steady and secure. However, when I ride in my Stubben (huge blocks and deep seat) I just cannot keep my leg under me. Unfortunately, my PDN doesn't fit my horse anymore so I'm on the dreaded saddle hunt:eek:

[Carol Ames]

Does your saddle have e a calf/or thigh:eek: roll? ride in s much2point as possible; start each ride with 5minutes of 2 point,:eek: starting , of course with 1 minute! then build gradually:winkgrin: