Equitation

[RackOn11]

Welll, my heels have gotten better but I need help on another thing! :) My trainer tells me to put pressure on my big toe and out (like showing the bottom of my foot), and im having alot of trouble with that. Any hints?? Also I am having just a bit of trouble keeping my leg back, and its not that its thrusted forward, but if you have any good tips they would certainly help! :D

[Ride2Live]

What kind of saddle are you riding in? I used to have one w/stationary bars and being that I'm so short, I just could not keep my legs back and sit at the back of the saddle at the same time. Adjustable bars have helped with that problem a lot! If you are already using one with adjustable bars, I'd try playing around with the different positions :D

[ASB_EQ_Gal]

Like the above said an adjustable bar would help. I have a stationary now and just can't get my legs like those girls have them today, so I'm getting an adujustable bar now.

But since I did have my normal bars for so long I worked my butt off with my legs trying to get them strong to keep them back. Do alot of squats and side kicks with your foot flexed. (those will help strengthen your outer thigh while the squats strengthen your inner). Also if you have a thigh master use it whenever your watching TV or doing homework/reading or if you don't get a soup/bean can and put them between your knees and squeeze.

For the foot problem concentrate on being on the ball of your foot but more so on your big toe. Also if you think about turning your knee into your saddle and pulling that calf way off it will give the look your trainer is describing to you.

Hope I helped. Equitation is a lot of hard work and isn't for the weak of heart. Stay determined and you can do anything!

[Jrchloe]

Have you checked out the Saddle Seat Equitation website? Look in the hints and tips, advice column and focus on the featured articles. I recommend reading all of the articles but make sure to check out Posting the Trot, Equitation Problems and Solutions, Improving Rider Position, Heels Down, and Position Pointers (questions 2 and 3 down).

http://regaljada.tripod.com/saddleseatequitation/index.html

[callmeblu]

I've found if you think "pinky toe up" it will most often put your leg in a position close to right. :)