Most all riders struggle to find the correct leg position AND to be effective with the leg. It can be a challenge not to nag your horse, or grip with the lower leg, or use the spur excessively! Here are some tips to find the correct leg position and to use your leg more effectively!!
- Make sure you have the correct alignment: The heel must stay under the hip. Some riders tend to have the lower leg too far forward (chair seat) or have the lower leg too far back (which tips you forward).
- Make sure your toes point forward – to get the toes to point forward, rotate your leg in from the hip to allow the toe to point forward. This allows the rider to use the leg without using the spur. This also helps to free up the hip and allows the rider to follow the motion of the horse.
- Knees: Your knees should be in contact with the saddle. They should not be gripping nor should they be flapping away from the saddle.
- How to use your legs: first close the calf, then close the heel, then add spur, then take the leg off and give quick kick. Be sure to get a reaction! If the horse does more than you wanted (ie. canters off) be sure to praise them!!
- Common Mistakes in leg position:
- Gripping with the lower leg: causes the hips to stiffen and lock up, and horse gets dull
- Knees flopping out of the saddle – causes ineffective leg aids and tight hips
- Rider shortens the leg to use it. Be sure to keep your legs long when you use them! There really is no need to draw the leg up to use them!
- Loose/floppy lower legs – this causes inaccurate leg aids and the horse will start to ignore the leg!
Remember that the legs are the DRIVING AIDS! They are what get the horse to go! It is so important to remember pressure and release! Be sure to apply the leg aid, get what you want, and then take your leg off and REWARD YOUR HORSE!!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
