Strengthening the Lower Leg?

[Mollymillymoo]

hello again,
I have this time been wondering if anyone has any tips on strengthening the lower leg?
I have had my horse Coco for 4 years and my legs are still like jelly. I can only ride twice a week until I can drive next year or we move and he's at home, and even then I have to share the time with my sister.
I need a stronger leg to get him going forwards and keep him together in dressage, to stay on during xc(!) and to get a frimer grip when show jumping, but I don't know what to do. If anyone has any ideas (for on or off the horse) they'd like to share I'd love them for it

 

[Sarah_Jane]

There is a few exercises on board that can help. Have your stirrups normal SJing length and stand up in your stirrups with all the weight in your heel, then stand up on your toes lifting your heel as high as possible. Keep going up and odwn in all paces. Then just ride with your heels down with bum out of saddle will develop balance as well.

 

[Mollymillymoo]

Oh right, I've never heard of that before, I'll try it tomorrow. thank you!

 

[viola]

On horse:
Jockey length of stirrups and half-seat throughout the winter and you won't recognise your legs in a few months time

Off the horse:
Try Pilates sort of exercises i.e. those that concentrate on isotonic tension. They work your internal muscles and build stamina.

 

[dieseldog]

Get a bike and remove the seat.

 

[Mollymillymoo]

hmm, that sounds like it will work, I'll inform you of the results

thanks

 

[SJ_06]

No stirrups, rising trot with no stirrups - that cains but works lol, half seat. and off the horse you can do exercises on the stairs where you stand half on the stair and push your heal down as far as you can. dont forget to get to the gym too