Riding position

RubysGold

RubysGold

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27 December 2006
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I need some suggestions to help improve my position.

When I ride I tend to grip with my knees so my legs dont touch the horses sides, and (in canter) I find this makes my heels come up and my feet go right through stirrup iron. It also makes me lean forward. I do look down too and keep my hands too low.

Is it just a case of taking my stirrups away for ages, or is there other things I can try too.
 
I just try and think 'heavy heels, heavy bottom'. For some reason it works for me, heels down just didn't work for some reason!! Wouldn't say it out loud though!! Once your heels are sorted and you keep your weight back ok, then the rest to a great extent will fall into place.
 
yes riding without sttirups is good, if you don't want to do that try riding with them very long so you can just about touch them. Then you will need to keep your heels down to keep the ball of your foot touching them. You also need to try to relax by the sound of it and follow his movement more with your hips. Try lying down on his back (at standstill!!) Then move your body back up put trying to keep your hips in the same position, if this makes sense. Then you may find it easier to follow his movement with your hips.
 
Lessons with a good instructor are a fab idea! However, its not the only idea!

I find I get very tense, through my arm, wrist and shoulder and occasionally through my back. I also saw a lot of clients when I was teaching who had problems with tension, and of course, no amount of shouting 'relax' helps lol!!!

I started to use a technique called 'centred riding' by Sally Swift, and also read Mary Wanless books. A combination of the ideas in both helped me no end. Sall Swift's book teaches the use of using visualization and I started of practising it at home, then on a horse. Some ideas seem a bit embarrassing, but it all goes on in your head, so no one will ever know, hence no need to get embarrassed!!!!

Have a look on the net and see if tyou can find the book. It is fab!!!
 
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