How can I get a secure lower leg?

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PartlyPickled

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I'm really trying to keep my leg forward and heels down on the approach but I can't keep them there what with thinking about everything else. and since getting anew horse ive ended up on the floor more often than I'd like and it's starting to knock my confidence a bit.
(I fall off because I can't see a stride and then you know how it goes, working on that part too)
 
Lots and lots of work without stirrups! Including jumping. It is worth checking with an instructor that your stirrups are the correct length and your foot correctly placed in the stirrup as this can have a minor impact on leg position. But the true answer to a stable lower leg is loads of work without stirrups at all. If you haven't done much of this before start slowly and at walk for safety. You're going to ache a bit I'm afraid.
 
oh god jumping with no stirrups will have to get the crash mats out haha. to be fair to me I do a lot of no stirrups but I just let my lower leg swing about (always have done and always been shouted at for it and now I appear to be facing the consequences) when I was very little I was threatened with having my stirrups tied to be girth but it never happened! instructor did check stirrups but just got a new saddle to will have him check again thank you very much!
 
I would get you doing lots of work in 2 point position in all paces, out hacking it is really useful to get off the back in trot and remain there for as long as you can, it will make the backs of your calves ache but should really help them become stronger, think of how jump jockeys ride.
I think riding without stirrups is good but will not really strengthen the lower leg in the way that you require, jumping without will probably make you defensive unless it is popping through small grids where you can just concentrate on your position.
 
be positive said:
I would get you doing lots of work in 2 point position in all paces, out hacking it is really useful to get off the back in trot and remain there for as long as you can, it will make the backs of your calves ache but should really help them become stronger, think of how jump jockeys ride.
I think riding without stirrups is good but will not really strengthen the lower leg in the way that you require, jumping without will probably make you defensive unless it is popping through small grids where you can just concentrate on your position.
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I agree with this.

My instructor once told me to put my stirrups up 5 holes (from jumping length) and ride in two point for two weeks. The first time I got off I could barely walk! But it worked
 
be positive said:
I would get you doing lots of work in 2 point position in all paces, out hacking it is really useful to get off the back in trot and remain there for as long as you can, it will make the backs of your calves ache but should really help them become stronger, think of how jump jockeys ride.
I think riding without stirrups is good but will not really strengthen the lower leg in the way that you require, jumping without will probably make you defensive unless it is popping through small grids where you can just concentrate on your position.
Click to expand...

Agree with this. Two-point is good for lots of things. I think in the UK we ride quite defensively - in the US almost everyone rides in two-point when cantering and jumping. Better for the horse's back and better for your balance!
 
My instructor makes us go into and out of two point seat all the time.
I now do all my hacking in trot in it
The trick is to be balanced enough and your reins short enough that you can go into and out of two point without losing your balance or the horse changing rhythm at all
Free jump stirrups help too!!
 
Leg going back when jumping is caused by you standing in your stirrups and throwing your upper body too far forward with a stiff knee.

Standing trot will help strengthen your leg but not improve the position.

Make sure that you're in a balanced in jumping position around your course, do not sit up and back between fences.

Make sure you have your stirrups short enough that it brings your thigh well ahead of your body.

Fold from your hips, ensuring the you keep your back flat, even a little hollow. You need to fold forward until you shoulders are above your knees and they form an imaginary vertical line, Shoulder, Knee, Toe. Your seat is still in the saddle but further back and very light.

This is jumping position and what you need to practise. One of my students who later on passed A with honours had the same problem. We sorted it by tieing his stirrups to the girth with a very thin bootlace.

Then practise over trotting poles until you can stay in the position.
 
I've had some lessons with Vittoria Panizzon who has a fairly impeccable jumping position. I, however, do not. She had me in 2 - point, walk, trot, canter - DON'T sit down in the transitions - this is key, keep your balance and keep doing it, loads of transitions, cross the arena, circle etc etc. Also, think about pushing your bum back over the jump and you need to really think about pushing your lower leg forward, consciously think about it. I found this all has helped me but I haven't had the opportunity to practice regularly yet.
 
100% agree with Tnavas :) Lots of lower leg problems occur because riders throw themselves over a fence rather than folding!

To add to this, many lower leg problems occur because of gripping with the thighs and knees not allowing the lower leg to be open and deep. Look up exercises (similar to yoga and Pilates moves) that you can do while sitting in the saddle in halt or walk (too long to explain some for you on this thread).

And you are right.....don't try looking for a stride to start with ;)

We are all learning all the time so I'm sure you will make progress if you really want to :)
 
In addition to all the advice above... Check that your saddle fits YOU. If your knee is touching the edge or over the front of the saddle flap and your saddle has any form of knee roll your knee will automatically grip it. You can only have an open knee (and stable lower leg) if there is nothing restricting it. See if you can stand up in your stirrups in two point when the horse is stood still and stay there without wiggling around to find your balance (you shouldn't need to go too far forward or back). If you can then your saddle fits and you need to work on the above but if you can't then my first port of call would be that your saddle doesn't fit you and you will only get so far doing the above exercises.
 
Your saddle must fit you , it must allow you to get your stirrups sufficiently short to achieve a good position .
You need to think knee loose weight into the stirrups foot forward .
You can push you weight into the stirrup till the cows come home but if you do it with a tight knee to you tighten your knee to the saddle when stuff goes wrong you will tip off .
You need to work hard at it.
I will ride part of all my hacks in walk up off the saddle to strengthen my position.
Do lots and lots of work moving between two and a light three point position .
If you can track down a trainer who is good at teaching jumping position do so a couple of sessions with someone who has a real talent for teaching position would be a great investment .
Cantering over poles dotted around the school going between the two positions is a great test of how you are doing .
 
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