Constantly striving to improve, so suggestions please on how to

[Pidgeon]

lift my heel up a tad as I think it's too far down?
These are from today warming up to do some SJ so excuse the fact I'm in a jump saddle.
P.S. It's so good to be back riding Pidge after a week off

 

[emilyR]

Maybe you could try sitting back a touch, and then riding foreward with your leg ot your hand.. it would get the engine in his hindquarters really going so better for jumping.
Also try to remember not to turn your hands in - if you keep your thumbs on top a tiny bit more there is a straight line from your shoulder to the bit. however when you round your wrists (although youre not doing this very much, just a tad) youre elbows come out to the side and then youre relationship with the horses mouth isnt as direct, as the straight line down the reins goes off in a tangent at youre elbow.

By the way gorgeous horse

and you ride him beautifully. Im just being extremely picky, as that seems to be what you wanted!

 

[connie1288]

Id agreeing with sitting up a touch and 'pulling' our shoulders back!!

Fwiw, an instructor I had said you couldnt put your heels down too far! She was always shouting at me.

 

[Pidgeon]

My main downfall not sitting up properly

I do try but struggle still

Ah thanks for that re the hands will give that a whirl

Why thank you I think he's gorgeous too but then being mum I'm biased

No worries about being picky, you're not and constructive advice is always appreciated

 

[Pidgeon]

Thanks and ooh interesting comment from your instructor. I just feel sometimes I wedge my heels down too much

 

[Sneedy]

Wish I had that problem

....always being told to get my heels down.......

 

[Pidgeon]

swap you then if you sit upright - my heels for your shoulders

 

[milliepops]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks and ooh interesting comment from your instructor. I just feel sometimes I wedge my heels down too much

[/ QUOTE ]

When I was doing my BHS exams my instructor told me that I should not push my heels down so much. I would have understood if they were rammed down stiffly, or if I needed to lengthen my stirrups, but she wanted me to actively raise my heels with same length leathers.

Made my legs go all tense.

Yours look fine to me - it often looks more exaggerated when you rise in the trot I think.

 

[emilyR]

i think that heels down are definately a good thing. but too much can cause youre leg to tense and youre foot is pushed too far foreward. This is an ineffective position for youre leg to be in, as you cant use it.