Issues with heels down whilst nudging on?

[horseyperson]

Recently I've been riding a horse who needs a lot of encouragement to get moving and to do this I've had to use my legs a lot. The problem is is that when I do give him a big kick on, my stirrups will slip from the ball to the arch of my foot which is really difficult to ride with. Does anybody else have this problem?

 

[Ginger Bear]

Describe how you sit when you ride.. how you feel, what area of your leg you grip with.. might help us help you further

 

[summerguest]

The fact that the stirrups are slipping back to the arch suggest your legs are slipping forwards as you kick, maybe you are slightly leaning back and using your seat and body too much in your 'nudging'. At least it sounds like you are not lifting your heels and kicking with them.

 

[tallyho!]

Well for a start, don't "nudge" with your heels you should be using your actual leg which is the backs of your calves and thighs. Your probably very tense in your thighs blocking the horse going forward. Use your seat.