A correct leg position is essential for effective communication and balance while riding. Assessing your leg position from the saddle is a valuable skill that allows you to make real-time adjustments to improve your riding. Here’s how you can evaluate and refine your leg position while mounted.
Step 1: Start with Your Seat
Before focusing on your legs, ensure your seat bones are even in the saddle. This forms the foundation for proper alignment. Check that your stirrups feel even, as uneven stirrups can throw off your balance and leg position.
Step 2: Look Down at Your Leg
While seated in the saddle, glance down at your legs. Here’s what to look for:
- Lower Leg Alignment: The tip of your toe should be approximately level with your knee.
- If your toe is forward of your knee, your leg is too far forward, often referred to as the “chair seat.”
- If you can see your spur or heel, your leg is too far back, pushing you out of balance.
- Toe Position: Your toes should point slightly outwards, but not excessively. A dramatic outward turn can indicate tight hips and/or an unbalanced seat.
Step 3: Assess Your Knee Contact
While observing your leg, check your knee position:
- Your knees should have light contact with the saddle without gripping tightly. Gripping can cause tension and push your lower leg out of position.
- Ensure your knees aren’t flaring outward, as this can disrupt the alignment of your leg and your ability to apply effective aids.
Step 4: Maintain Awareness While Riding
As you ride, periodically assess your leg position:
- Are your legs staying in contact with your horse’s sides without sliding forward or back?
- Do your stirrups feel evenly weighted?
- Are your aids effective without excessive movement?
Practice and Adjust
To improve your leg position, regularly glance down to self-check and adjust as needed. Over time, developing muscle memory will help you maintain correct alignment without conscious effort.
By incorporating these checks into your riding routine, you’ll ensure a more balanced and effective position, improving your overall connection with your horse.
Happy riding!
Amelia
