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Lower Leg Problems.....

4K views 10 replies 8 participants last post by  Back2Horseback 
#1 ·
So I've noticed that when I jump I pinch with my knees. It's not much, but it still bothers me. I have tried jumping without stirrups and my leg is perfect, but when I add stirrups my lower leg moves. It's really not much, maybe 2-3 inches, but it really aggravates me. Any tips on keeping lower leg still over fences??

I'm going to try to post a video of it later.....
 
#3 ·
Buy a pair of very thin bootlaces and tie your stirrups to the girth, allow enough length to enable you to use your legs.

This will help you to keep your leg in place, in the event of an accident the thin boot lace will snap.

I've used this method on several pupils and it has worked very well.

In the meantime work on your basic jumping position with a very light two point, almost three point position, making sure that you maintain this position over the fence, in other words don't do anything but sit still and follow with your hands.
 
#4 ·
do a lot of 2point on the flat at w/t/c. this will make you stronger and build up your muscle memory. i do a 10-15 minute warm up every time i ride in 2point. it makes such a difference in my riding over all, i rarely ever skip it !
 
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#6 ·
I was at a clinic and since the advice for you seems to be that you need to keep your heels down more, let me throw in my two cents. I was told that my weight was pushing against my stirrups, rather than sinking below them. It helps me to think about wrapping the inside of my heels around the horse, while turning my toe slightly out. To strengthen your leg and your position I'll second a lot of two-point work. (If you want to strengthen your core, which is a big thing for dressage, then do no stirrups work) Good luck, I hope that helps!
 
#10 ·
I have that same problem sometimes. I found out/my trainer found out, that when I think too much or if I'm thinking about something not related to riding, I tend to do that LOL
Anyway, I also rode in my trainer's western saddle a few weeks ago, since she does both rodeo and hunters, and it really taught me to keep my lower leg really closed and close to the horse-- since there's so much more leather in the way! It really improved my lower leg.
 
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