How to...

[katie_and_toto]

Well, basically, I have a rubbish lower leg when I ride. My lower legs sort of jut backwards and forwards in trot and when I jump they slip backwards and my heel goes up. Here's a few pics (prepares to be laughed at becuase of the badness

)

And going up a step

I can't really jump again now until a few weeks because I've got pony club camp next week so don't wanna over-jump him before camp. Any ground or flatwork exercises I can do? Thanks

 

[jesterfaerie]

I am not sure what you can do on the ground sorry.
I know quite a few people do not think it works and/or disagrees with this but my jumping instructor has tied one of her pupils stirrups to the girth for several weeks, and when they were removed you could notice the difference in her position.

 

[katie_and_toto]

I'm a bit cautious of doing that because I got told not to because it's dangerous

 

[Haniki]

You can get symmetry straps that do a similar job as jesterfaerie says but they are safer as they do up with velcro.

 

[jesterfaerie]

Yes I would recommend the actual staps designed for the job if that would make you feel a bit more secure about the idea. Could you possibly wait until PC and ask the instructors there what they would recommend?

 

[katie_and_toto]

I'm short of money at the moment so can't buy the straps, need some stengthening exercises and stuff

 

[frannieuk]

Pull your stirrups up to jockey length and practise maintaining a jumping seat. Make sure you keep your weight well down through your heels, and your knees well bent.

I would start off in walk, and then increase the pace until you are comfortable in trot and canter, and can maintain the position for several laps of the arena. Don't be tempted to cheat - it will really strengthen your leg position if you do it right! My instructor occasionally gets me to pop small fences like this too.

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Agree with Frannie as my OH has the same problem and that is the exercise his instructor has given him.

The other thing that really helps is to have a big back block on the saddle (they can be fitted to most saddles- velcro ones are brill ) this does force the leg forwards but helps you establish your seat and balance and if they are velcro you can remove them later.

 

[AmyMay]

Get your stirrups up two holes. Take your seat saver off. Stop looking down - look between your horses ears - and think about sliding your bum to the back of the sadde at take off.

And a very good tip I was told, point your toes to the sky.