advice required!

[tomroscha]

I have been riding for years, mostly on my own forward going horse, I decided to do my bhs stages, passed stage 1 with no problems and stage 2 theory, but failed riding, my big problem seems to be that when I get nervous my heel comes up (and my toes down)! I have recently had a few lessons and on slower horses, you have to get going forward, the same thing happens, especially in the canter transisions, so what I need is any advice or exercises to stop me gripping up with my knees and my heels coming up, or any ways to handle exam nerves which don't help!! many thanks...

 

[Dubsie]

A girl my daughter used to ride with at one RS used to do this exact same thing. She had a couple of lessons with daughters private instructor, who is extremely particular on position and riding with your seat, and after the 2 lessons she really did improve very visibly (RS instructor commented) and as a result was much more secure without dipping her toes again. Can you try a few lessons with a different instructor who can improve your seat?

 

[YorksG]

Lots of work without irons perhaps?

 

[Ravenwood]

Lots of riding without stirrups might help you. Do you ride with your stirrups too long? It might be an idea to shorten them a hole or two to help keep your heels down.