I've always had trouble keeping my heels down. I went to see my doctor several weeks ago and it turns out the muscles in my lower legs are unnaturally tight, resulting in a lower than normal range of flexibility in my feet and ankles. Even the way I walk is affected; I tend to walk more on my toes than normal which also shortens the tendons in my legs.
I've been working on stretching out my calves daily using exercises the doctor gave me (including standing on the stairs and sinking the weight into my heels which I know is a common riding exercise). So far it hasn't really made a difference. I have a fairly secure lower leg, and it doesn't swing around or come off the side of my horse while riding (I've been told and I've seen videos of myself riding). However, I can never seen to get my heel down. I sometimes find myself popping out of the saddle at the canter when the horse I'm riding gets excited or jumping off my toes when getting into 2-point position. It's a very unstable position and even though I try, it feels nearly impossible to jam my heels down.
What are some ways or exercises I can use to help lower my heel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I've been working on stretching out my calves daily using exercises the doctor gave me (including standing on the stairs and sinking the weight into my heels which I know is a common riding exercise). So far it hasn't really made a difference. I have a fairly secure lower leg, and it doesn't swing around or come off the side of my horse while riding (I've been told and I've seen videos of myself riding). However, I can never seen to get my heel down. I sometimes find myself popping out of the saddle at the canter when the horse I'm riding gets excited or jumping off my toes when getting into 2-point position. It's a very unstable position and even though I try, it feels nearly impossible to jam my heels down.
What are some ways or exercises I can use to help lower my heel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!