Correct Leg Position...Argh!

[SmartieBean09]

Hey Everyone,

So Ive ridden for most of my life but prob for the last 15 or so years ive become really nervous. Since a change of yard etc, my confidence is finally coming back but ive developed a really bad leg position. So I have plenty of room between saddle and thigh, this is very relaxed but I think im concentrating so much on "weight down" that my leg is pushed forward. So much so I keep knocking my horses elbow with my toe! So my thigh is relaxed and open, my heel is down, my toe is in but this looks so wrong.

How do you all encourage correct leg position? No stirrups etc? Do you have your knee into the saddle but without gripping? Do you have toe out, heels in? Things have changed and moved on so much that im confused and out of practise , so any tips etc is much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Carrottom]

IME the only way to work on this is with eyes on the ground. Riding without stirrups helps but when you take them back you need someone to advise.

 

[stormox]

Make sure your saddle helps not hinders your position.
I dont think you want a gap between your thigh and the saddle, try and get your shoulder hip and heel in line, stand in your stirrups and then sit back down keeping the same pressure in your stirrups without moving your lower leg.

 

[Illusion100]

Agree with Stormox, the saddle needs to fit both horse and rider.

It's difficult to work on your position if the saddle is pushing you into a bad one.

 

[Zuzan]

Saddles can be an issue.. it maybe that your stirrup bars are placed too far forward for you.

Another consideration are the muscles that run down the front of your thighs being short / tight .. A really good indication of whether this is an issue is whether your knees point downwards .. if they are pointing forward your muscles are probably a bit tight .. Also your glutes if tight will prevent your leg being able to drop. Tight calf muscles again will prevent the weight being able to drop into your heels.. And funnily if you have droped arches this can also impact on your leg position.

 

[Keith_Beef]

So much so I keep knocking my horses elbow with my toe!

This happens to me, too, especially when I ride a smaller horse, and I've wondered if it is from having my legs too far forwards...

 

[Identityincrisis]

Saddle balance has a huge affect on position. My best tool in improving my position was finding a great instructor who worked on me not the horse, she also bought a simulator too which is brilliant for such things, i have monthly lessons on the simulator