Different length legs

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Foaling Around

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If you have slightly different length legs should you ride with stirrups on the same hole, or slightly different lengths to "match" your leg length?

Both options seem to make sense and not make sense to me for different reasons (if that makes sense!!!)

ETA don't have different length legs (I think!), just following a conversation earlier
 
My legs are the same length, I just have a crooked pelvis and dropped hip. I currently ride on odd lengths as its the most comfortable but I am starting some treatment sessions to try and sort it out.
My stirrup leathers have stretched too which doesn't help, new ones are on order at the tack shop!
 
I used to teach someone with this problem after breaking her leg. She had to ride a couple of holes shorter on one side in order to sit level. Equal stirrup lengths made her sit crookedly.
 
it depends why the legs are different lengths IMHO. if due to crooked pelvis like me then I ride with them the same length, by having one shorter I would be encouraging further crookedness. By riding the same length I can aim to have even pressure in both stirrups. If i don't I know I'm crooked!


If the different leg lengths due to them actually being different due to bone length then i would ride with the appropriate stirrup shorter as otherwise you would encourage the pelvis to become crooked due to unbalanced distribution of weight.
 
Santa_Claus said:
it depends why the legs are different lengths IMHO. if due to crooked pelvis like me then I ride with them the same length, by having one shorter I would be encouraging further crookedness. By riding the same length I can aim to have even pressure in both stirrups. If i don't I know I'm crooked!


If the different leg lengths due to them actually being different due to bone length then i would ride with the appropriate stirrup shorter as otherwise you would encourage the pelvis to become crooked due to unbalanced distribution of weight.
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Thanks Santa_Claus for writing that so eloquently - that was pretty much along the lines I was thinking but couldn't think how to write it!

Also (*stupid question alert*) - I've heard people say they have uneven leg lengths, but how can one tell?? I mean obviously you'd go to a doctor, physio etc if worried about something, but how do they actually tell? Is it literally a case of they measure them?? :o
 
When I'm 'wonky' if I stand infront of a mirror my hip bones are not level they can easily be a good inch plus different. Theoretically a person who has actually different length legs will see the same as the longer leg will push the pelvis up when standing with feet flat. Need Willeekers in here as she is an Osteo and will be able to be a lot more accurate ;)
 
I'm curious to know how many people have significantly different bone lengths (vs soft tissue or postural issues) and don't know it. I used to know a surgeon who was one of the pioneers of the bone lengthening surgery with the halo and screws and it was a HUGE deal to try to make them level, especially in children, to try to avoid knock on effects.

I have different length arms as shattered my humerus and even now, 30 years later, I'm aware of it.

Sorry, not casting aspersions OP, just genuinely curious if anyone with this issue has actually been measured.
 
I have different lengths, but it was noticed when I went in to have more orthopedic supports made. I'd been having lots of physio for something to do with misaligned discs in my back (I forget - bit of a walking injury), and the doctor who was taking casts etc noticed that when I was lying down one ankle/foot came down further than the other. May explain some of the problems I've had :p

Alternatively, it may be something to do with soft tissue rather than bone, never bothered investigating it really.

Sorry, OP. Gone off topic :) Imagine if the bone lengths are different, you'd ride with uneven stirrups, if it's muscle tightness etc, encourage the "short" leg to lengthen.
 
A true (or actual) leg length difference due to a difference in bone length is less common than a functional (soft tissue) leg length.

Usually an actual leg length difference is the result of a fracture, commonly as a child if the child under goes a growth spurt whilst the fracture is healing then bone that is fractured spends the 6 weeks healing whilst the other leg bone grows!

Having said that most people have a very small amount of an actual leg length difference, it is only when the difference is over about 2cm that it may become a problem and even then the body is so fab at adapting itself the leg length difference may not start to cause problems unfilled much later in life - it all depends what stresses you put your body throu!!

There are many ways to measure leg length difference, some better than others. The gold standard would be x-ray and then measure of the x-ray but asking as the practioner uses the same anatomical referrance points you can still get a good idea as to if it is an actual or functional difference.

I'll have a look see if I can find you some more info
 
OP I would send the person to an osteo to see whether it is a genuine difference in leg length or a back/pelvis issue. If it it a back or pelvis issue I'd suggest they ride with their stirrups the same length and get treatment. If they genuinely have different length legs, to the extent of needing different length stirrups, I think many doctors/physios/osteos would recommend orthopaedic inserts in the shoes to avoid back or pelvis issues. Wearing the insert while riding should even things up.
 
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