So stiff when I ride

[dieseldog]

When I first get on my horse I am so stiff on the top of my thighs that I can hardly move and have to wander around until they loosen up, touching my toes helps a bit . It's not on the odd occasion, but everytime I ride, and it's been going on for months, does anyone else have this problem and what do you do about it?

 

[lizzieuk1]

is the stiffness at the front of your thighs? if so it could be that your quad muscles are short and thus tight, try stretching them out before you get on, just bend your knee and reinforce the stretch down the front of the thigh by holding your foot and pulling the foot up slightly more.

 

[Noodlejaffa]

Try a sports massage. I discovered the wonders of this a few months ago and I have found I am riding and moving so much better. Even my dressage scores have improved!

 

[dieseldog]

Yes, the front of the thighs, I have been trying to do stretches when I get off, but I do some before I get on as well. Thanks

 

[spider]

My legs are always stiff and feel too short when I get on so I usually do a few minutes walking round without stirrups to start with.

 

[_jetset_]

Try stretching the area just before you get on to warm your muscles up... It worked when I was really stiff a couple of weeks ago!

 

[dieseldog]

Thanks for all your advice, I did what Lizzieuk1 suggested and it way loads better.

Thanks!