Lower leg... how’s yours?

[Translationsneeded1]

I grip badly which makes mine swing.
I’ve read countless threads about this and the mostly people say ride with no stirrups but I can impressively grip even without stirrups!
What exercises do you do (that I can pinch!) to help yours?

 

[dreamcometrue]

I do that in canter in the school. My instructor told me to stand in my stirrups slightly and it does help.

 

[ycbm]

Are your legs popping outwards or going back and forth? I find the outwards bit very dependant on the shape of the horse, and the back and forth very dependant on the position of the stirrup bar.

 

[ecb89]

What are you gripping with? Knees, thighs, tight hips?

 

[SpotsandBays]

I’ve started stretching as I have very tight hamstrings. It seems to be helping to stop my lower leg flicking back!

 

[sbloom]

The saddle is likely to be playing a big part. If you sit at halt can you work out if you lack contact anywhere under your leg? Do you toes sit naturally forwards or out? Do you sit shoulder-hip-heel in halt?

 

[Translationsneeded1]

Are your legs popping outwards or going back and forth? I find the outwards bit very dependant on the shape of the horse, and the back and forth very dependant on the position of the stirrup bar.

Back and forth. Back when I have to use them!

 

[Translationsneeded1]

What are you gripping with? Knees, thighs, tight hips?

I think it’s my thigh generally and then when I use my legs in earnest, my knee a bit too

 

[Translationsneeded1]

The saddle is likely to be playing a big part. If you sit at halt can you work out if you lack contact anywhere under your leg? Do you toes sit naturally forwards or out? Do you sit shoulder-hip-heel in halt?

Naturally my legs turn out. Even if I’m standing (dam you years of ballet!)

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Try putting your weight through the balls of your feet and let you ankle hang.

Do you sit on your seat bones or pelvic bone?

If the latter then learning neutral spine position in pilates would be very helpful as it's how you really should sit, conformation depending, in the saddle.

 

[ycbm]

Back and forth. Back when I have to use them!

Your legs should be going in to give forward aids, not back. If you have to move them back then your stirrup bar may be too far forward for you and encouraging you to sit in a chair seat. Do you have shoulder/hip/heel alignment?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Back and forth. Back when I have to use them!

That sounds as if the stirrup bar is in the wrong position.