How to get my lower leg more stable ??

[penny3]

Anyone got any exercises to improve the stability of my lower leg? Im pretty sure i must grip with my knees automatically, as my lower leg swings around so much when im trotting but i cant help it! if i really concentrate i can get it better but then it aches loads afterwards once i cut off though i go back to normal. I'd love to have a good strong lower leg, as i have a habit of lifting my heels instead of using my calf too, which dosent help So does anyone have any exercises that could help this please??

All i have to offer is some extra strong coffee too keep me awake if any of you have got this far

 

[Luci07]

Lunge lessons, no stirrups and you will be forced to sit properly! Seriously works wonders.. I ride at times without stirrups in the school and part of fittening myself and my horse is to canter round in 2 fork seat, so XC seat and canter 4 laps on each rein. That also helps lung capacity, stomach muscles and securing lower leg.

 

[ZondaR]

1. Ride without stirrups. Let your leg hang down by the horses side. Open your thigh and stretch your lower leg.

2. Lift your knees until they are almost touching above the withers and stay like that. You will look like a jockey. You can do this in walk and trot. Slowly lower your legs without touching the horses sides. Repeat.

3. When in trot, stand in your stirrups and balance by letting all your weight go down into your heel. Do this on a step before you mount so you know what it should feel like. Your knee should not be straight and do not hold onto the mane or the saddle. I don't mean stand like in two point (aka, light seat, hunding seat, what your do xcountry) I mean stand quite upright.

4. Get some lunge lessons with a good instructor.

 

[penny3]

Thanks guys !! Will try these tomorrow. Learn't so much good advice from this place dont know wher i'd be without it! time to throw the stirrups away for a few lessons then it looks like

 

[Tiffany]

Lunge lessons, no stirrups and you will be forced to sit properly! Seriously works wonders.. I ride at times without stirrups in the school and part of fittening myself and my horse is to canter round in 2 fork seat, so XC seat and canter 4 laps on each rein. That also helps lung capacity, stomach muscles and securing lower leg.

^^^ this^^^

Lunge lesson are brilliant for your position and giving you a secure seat, worked wonders for me