stiffness / tenseness in one leg (riders!)

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georgiegirl2

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Does anyone else seem to get this? After riding a while i tend to feel as if I'm sitting wonky or that my stirrups are uneven. I've had people check to see that saddle is straight, I'm sat level and stirrups look level and everytime they are. The only thing I can think is that its my right leg becoming 'locked' in the ankle - so much so i sometimes get cramp in my right calf whereas my other leg always feel longer and 'softer' if that makes sense?
 
I think everyone has to work on their straightness at one time or another.

Perhaps some lunge lessons would help, if you are finding it an issue? A useful exercise is to take your feet out the stirrups, bring you legs up like a jockey without letting them make contact with the saddle, then stretch them out as far away from the side of the horse, and then back down (gently). (Hope i've descriped that alright!) This usually loosens the leg and their seat, and can help get the legs back a bit into the right position. Rotating your ankles in circles might help too.

If it feels like your stirrups are wonky, how about doing some work without them, so long as you feel that you've got the balance to maintain your position.
 
i tried rolling my ankles today to relax my leg but it didnt really make much difference. Its hard knowing what to do as this 'tight' leg feels shorter but also feels like the ankle is a lot more flexed and fixed so its not like i can try and shift more weight to that side as it just tightens my ankle even more. Its funny its a my right leg too as natually Im a lefty in most things i do!
 
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