Gripping with my thighs

Irishcobs

Irishcobs

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 August 2005
Messages
6,174
Visit site
Took Gyp up into the field today and in canter I grip with my thighs. Partly I think because it helps to stop me bouncing and partly because I was practically carrying him. He has only cantered once in the last 3 months and that was last weekend in my bosses school so was a big step up for us to canter in a 30 acre stubble field (which leads to 2 other 30 acre fields) on the only flat bit of field.
Is it a bad thing to grip with my thighs? He didn't seem bothered by it even though he is very sensitive to my movement.
 
Chris Bartle made a comment about gripping with the thighs being like wearing a tight pair of jeans for the horse so they can move but not as freely. Lunge lessons will secure your seat and make you more relaxed and stable in your legs. As a knee gripper I can sympathise!
 
I have been having lessons with a somewhat excentric physio. She suggests that you should imagine that you have a hook in the middle of each thigh. These hooks should then be linked into a set of imaginary rings deep in the horse's spine. It sounds a bit grusome - but the imagery really works to give you a firm seat - without clutching up to tight with your knees or lower leg. If you do this whilst clenching your bum to lift your seatbones slightly off the saddle it gives you a firm light seat that allows the horse to move freely underneith you.
 
Great thanks Lec. I will see if my boss will give me some lunge lessons, we aren't that busy next week so hopefully can fit a couple in.
 
My tendancy is to do this, a huge battle that I keep having to re-assess every couple of months... I find it's very much down to the strength of my lower leg, and lunge lessons, cantering with v short stirrups jokey style, etc work v well!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top