Trotting w/o stirrups- ow!

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Toz

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Hi
In my lesson the other day, we were trotting without stirrups and I was on a VERY bouncy pony... Any tips to stop the pain? I'm not very good at work without stirrups, but all the others in my group (and there are a few of us - 6) seem like they have done a lot of it, so we don't spend much time on technique. Does anyone have any tips on staying on and reducing the aches legs?
I feel like I would be wasting everyone else's time if I asked in the lesson... And I'm a bit nervous of asking in front of everyone in case I look stupid...
Thanks
 
Well done! My RI makes me laugh when we do work without stirrups by shouting 'pain is good' - it is tongue in cheek, as you need to be careful, but if I only ride once a week I usually get sore whether I have stirrups or not. I take it as a good sign that I am working on my position!! Best thing to do is to stretch carefully and thoroughly before the lesson, if possible do some stretching each day and your muscles will gradually adapt. Keep at it, no stirrups with a good RI is really good for your riding :)

oh & ps staying on - works best when you have your legs the longest they can be - again thats to do with stretching.

And you can ask! In the lesson if you say 'I find this really hard to sit to, can you tell me what to do?' your RI should help!
 
Don't hollow your back or slouch, sit upright, as you should be anyway. Trotting without stirrups shows up flaws/weaknesses in your position. You need strong stomach muscles and a flexible lower back.

It's the same movement in your body as for walk, but twice as fast! You shouldn't have a nodding head, that indicates an inflexible back. Your back flexes forwards and back to neutral and your hips swing from side to side. It can help to ride with a hand on your hip or an arm held behind you horizontally and placed in the dip in your lower back (in walk) to help you feel this.

Loosen your inside rein a little, so you can bring the inside hand back and hook your fingers under the pommel. Try to pull the pommel upwards a little, which will have the effect of pulling you down into the saddle a little, helping you feel more secure and bounce less. As your muscles build you'll be able to keep both hands on the reins for longer. Your legs, weight and outside rein should be sufficient for steering.
 
Ok, will try stretching and making legs longer! Thanks for your help :)

And thanks S&S for the back things- very interesting stuff! Will try to focus on that too and give it a go!
 
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I love working without stirrups, it really helps with balance and helps you develop a nice deep and stable seat. It's much easier to learn on a less bouncy horse, could you try slowing your pony's trot down a little? Also, make sure you are sitting up straight, shoulders back and looking up, not down with at your horse. I was always told to absorb the movement of the horse by keeping my lower back flexible, which can be easier said than done when you're also trying to remember everything about your position at the same time.
 
If I do a little bit of work without stirrups, I find I feel like a better rider and stronger in my seat and general position, however if I do too much I feel exhausted and dreadful!
Haha thanks FW, will remember that :)
Thanks all for your help, it has helped particularly to hear someone phrase things differently, like how you were saying to absorb the movement of the horse. Thanks all :)
 
FfionWinnie said:
Practice rising without stirrups and you will immediately prefer sitting :D
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You masochist you ;)

I actually really like riding without stirrups too. When I first tried it I kept tipping from side to side and yes, it hurt! :o But it really improves your balance because the only other choice is toppling off :)
 
TrasaM said:
You masochist you ;)

I actually really like riding without stirrups too. When I first tried it I kept tipping from side to side and yes, it hurt! :o But it really improves your balance because the only other choice is toppling off :)
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At my last jumping lesson we were jumping for the first 20 mins with no stirrups, cantering and rising trot too. I thought I was going to have to cry to make him stop the torture (plus my mare was getting more and more excited so I was just waiting to add bucking without stirrups to the repertoire :o).

Needless to say I have been practicing it religiously since then so I will be ready for him next time ha ha.
 
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