Using leg properly and sitting right on small pony

[Chinchilla]

Does anyone have any advice on using my legs properly on a small pony? Coming back to proper lessons (stopped riding when I was 11 so am very very rusty) I have been having riding lessons to get my (utterly non existent) confidence up but I've been on ploddy 13.3hh's cobs for 2 lessons now and whilst I don't mind I'm not quite sure how to use my legs as they're not exactly forward going and my heels are below their bellies so I end up doing undignified, ugly, uncomfortable pony club kicks(!)

I'm also embarrassingly unfit after so long off so a quick way to get more 'riding fit' would be appreciated!

It's also quite a step up (down? ) from my long striding 15hh, I was on a 15.1hh for one lesson and it was much easier lol!
Watching a video my mum took of the 1 lesson I also seem too far back in the saddle and sitting in an 'arm chair' position, how can I rectify this (besides removing the stirrups, my leg position magically transforms itself sans stirrups )? I know I need to push my weight further down but how can i used my legs properly if I do this, the ponies don't seem to respond to squeezes, just kicks? Normally I'd just turn my heels in and for want of a better word squidge the horse's sides but the RS ponies just ignore this?

No hate please, I am trying to rectify my myriad riding faults lol (hence having lessons )

 

[Shay]

Your instructor is probably best to advise. If these are RS ponies used in lessons you may have little option in the exercises you can do anyway.

There is a knack to getting RS ponies going as they quickly become dead to the flap and slap method. You could try double kicks. 2 sharp nudges with the heel in quick succession. Not a leg off type of kick -and inward and upward sharp nudge. Backing up leg aids with tap of a long whip might work if permitted.

To help with the armchair position - you could be hampered by the saddle which sounds as though it might be a touch too small for you. Nothing you can do about that in an RS. If your instructor permits you could try standing in your stirrups - as in bolt upright, not 2 point - at walk and later trot. That is great for getting your lower leg under you. Lunge lessons can also help?

 

[texel]

In response to your question about getting fit for riding, which will certainly help with your position in the long run,in particluar your leg position; here are some execllent videos:

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/vide...itness-exercises-improve-core-stability-video

Stick to an exercise plan and after a few months you will reap the benefits, there is no quick way you have to work steadily and give your body a chance to improve with the exercise plan