Sore, stiff ankles when riding - why do they hurt?

[Wheels]

So I've barely ridden in about a year due to sicknote horse and then sicknote husband taking up all of my time but I just had to go for a ride!

I went for a schoolmaster lesson last weekend and Oh my God! My ankles were killing me in rising trot! (which was most of the lesson!) Not sure why, hadn't suffered like that before and I was so glad when we stopped trotting and got on with the canter so my pathetic ankles could take a breather.

I'm going to ride a friends horse later in the week and dread it happening again, what can I do?

Could it be because I was wearing soft leather riding boots? Would I be better in my dressage boots for more support?

 

[scats]

Have you ever injured your ankle? My left ankle causes me immense pain when riding, but it has been broken three times and it has healed at a strange angle.

Could your stirrups have been too short?

 

[Wheels]

I did have ligament damage to my left ankle but both were hurting although left very slightly more than right.

I was in a dressage saddle and I suppose I could have gone a hole or two longer but they weren't cross country length by any means. Maybe I'll try lengthening them next time

 

[FubsyMog]

I find some stirrups very hard on my ankles - bent leg irons are the worst. Don't really know why. The basic plastic/compostiti ones are far better.

 

[Peter7917]

I had an ankle injury.

I find firstly that if I have not ridden in a while then the pain is worse but the more riding I do the less it hurts. I'm riding quite regularly at present so feel no pain.

I also find the boots I wear help. I wear Ariat country boots. Not sure what brand. They are a little over £200 however I find worth the money as they provide the ankle more support.