Help, combatting my flappy lower leg

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Spangles

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Hi, I've been riding again for about 2yrs after a break of 20 yrs (I'm 48) and I'm having continual problems with my lower leg moving too much, I just can't seem to keep it still. It moves backwards and forward when trying to push the school horse forward. I get 'stop swinging your lower leg' ....

I had a friend video me and can see what's happening. It's frustating as I try so hard but there in lies the problem maybe ... my instructor thinks I try too hard. I see people ride who have other faults but there legs are very still.

Apart from lots of no stirrup sessions is there anything I could try in a normal lesson. My instructor said he's going to tie my legs to the girth :) :)
I'd be grateful for any advice
 
Bareback or no stirrups back in lunge lessons, and lots of working in a light seat and jumping position to strengthen it.

I would go into more details, but I'm about to crash for the night, sorry! x
 
You need to do Pilates - your leg is moving because your core is too weak to hold your body still and your leg is reacting to keep balance. I am a convert after a bad back - and I ride better now than I have ever done - and I'm older than you!
 
You are probably pivoting from your knee, see above post about core strength.
Are the horses responding to your aids or rather behind your leg, if they are a little lazy backing up with a schooling whip may help you become more effective and then the leg will be more stable.
Exercises such as turn on the forehand and leg yielding will help you become more aware of your leg aids and clarify them.
 
Sounds like you are pushing with your seat, which is pointless as it just depresses the horses back and prevents them being able to move properly.

Id suggest longer stirrups as well and an instructor who can teach you how to use your legs properly :D
 
Yes, I absolutely agree about my core, it's non existent (hidden under the blub). I've had a long term back problem, hence the 20yr break but after Prolotherapy treatment (injections in my lower back) I can at least ride now but my core has been compromised over time. I have a very wobbly pelvis too ... blimey I sound like a right old crock.

I've got a Bosu Balance trainer on order to help with my core strength & balance.
 
Are you gripping with your knee which releases the lower leg to swing about? Try turning our toe out slightly and releasing the knee whilst pushing weight into your heel :)
 
Thank you for all the advice ... I do have a bit of trouble putting enough weight into my heel so I guess I probably am gripping too much which is as a result of my weak core .... and so I go around and around :confused:

I am on a mission to strengthen my core so hopefully I'll feel an improvement soon.
 
I'm pleased other people, including you support my views on core strength. I wish I had known this stuff 10 years ago before I had problems. Today at Pilates I identified another problem. My lower core is now pretty good, but the back muscles around my scapula are very weak so I am tensing my shoulders to try to keep everything still. Its a new set of exercises and challenge...
Good luck
 
When I had a break from riding I found I had this problem too. Didn't help neither that I had a very sensitive exracer so I found I was trying too hard not to jiggle my lower legs and keep a constant contact as he's so sensitive! I used to get on and when warming up, take my feet out of stirrups and swing them backwards and forwards to loosen them up and relax them. I dropped my stirrups down a few holes and concentrated on lightening my seat and pushing weight through my heels. Seemed to work, along with lots of cycling to build my strength up!! Eventually they used to stay naturally still!! Got it all to come again as had another break (due to baby) :(
 
Also- am going to start Pilates!! After seeing so many people recommending it on here for core strength and knowing its meant to compliment riding.
 
I rode yesterday and was told I am too tense in my upper body too ... I try to relax more but it is a bit of a vicious circle i.e. weak core, gripping to hard, lots of tension.

I have ordered a BOSU ball which was recommended to me by a Pilates instructor. I tried to stand on one the other day and wibbled off it straight away, I have my work cut out for sure :):)
 
Knee tendons ? Blimey, sounds a bit complicated but I'm willing ... can you explain how I do this in idiot terms please :o
 
Spangles said:
Knee tendons ? Blimey, sounds a bit complicated but I'm willing ... can you explain how I do this in idiot terms please :o
Click to expand...

Put your fingers behind your knee and really tense your leg...you should be able to feel two tendons stick out? It's these which you need to activate when riding. Also make sure your upper thigh is on properly.
 
How about standing in your stirrups? This will be difficult at first but your leg will learn to stay still otherwise you'll topple over and sit back down. Do short bursts to begin with and build up how long you can stand without feeling like you need to sit or rise in walk and trot. I find trot is better. X
 
Lunge lessons are invaluable in my opinion, allowing you to relax and concentrate on your body and position and not having to think about controlling the horse. I had a problem of gripping with my knee and I found a good exercise to release the knee and thigh was to work in trot and canter without reins or stirrups, take the knees and thighs away while keeping the lower leg on. Don't grip (imagine a wet tea towel slapped onto the horses side). It seems a little un-natural but every time you relax the leg goes back into a better position. I've just started lessons after 6mths of dinking around so I imagine I'll find this exercise useful again in the coming months
 
two £10 notes will do the trick...and if they don't work...£20's or £50's. I'm being completely serious, so I hope no one is offended. I've seen it used highly effectively tho I confess to raucous laughter when i heard it suggested to a very horrified friend..if you are not brave enough then simply use I.O.U's on paper incase they blow away..slip one each side & will them to stay put...its like the trick for beginners to keep their thumbs ontop of the reins.....imaginary beer/coffee mugs etc and aim not to drown pony in beer/coffee. Also pilates.
 
i had major problems with my lower leg...and all jumping really... felt tipped forward etc..i put my stirrups up 2 holes... god what a difference...for the first time ever my horse jumped with her ears forward lol x
 
BlueCakes said:
How about standing in your stirrups? This will be difficult at first but your leg will learn to stay still otherwise you'll topple over and sit back down. Do short bursts to begin with and build up how long you can stand without feeling like you need to sit or rise in walk and trot. I find trot is better. X
Click to expand...

This helped me...even if I looked like an antiquated sack of potatoes clinging onto the neck strap for dear life... :o

Someone at the head to keep you going and stand but so you drop into your heels... I ride long anyway but had to drop two holes after doing this... The other thing I found was the stirrups on the saddle hung too far forward for me so were pulling my feet forwards... Some regular standing and it felt like not only had my leg lengthened but it had moved way backwards too... And kids stuff in the saddle - reaching to the opposing toe, twists at the waist etc... I think I'm relaxed and comfortable until I do some exercises up there and suddenly take up a completely different position...

:)
 
Lots of good advice already. I get the impression you ride rs horses? Sometimes its quite often the case that the saddle isn't helping, if you end up too far back in one, the combination of the stirrup bars being too far in in front of your leg & your upper body tipping forward to catch up can be a problem. Obviously even the best rs can't have a saddle that's perfect for every rider on every horse. It might also be worth getting your instructor to have a look at you at halt on different horses to see which horses saddle gives the best position for your shape & build, then maybe stick to riding those with saddles that help you most until your positions stronger.
 
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