Horse riding problem?

Question

I have a problem when I do a 2 point. I always grip with my knees, and I know this is wrong. I also do it when I post at the trot. Does anyone know how I can stop doing it? I just started lessons so maybe it will go away with time, as my leg gets stronger?

Answer 1

It is very important that you stop this habit now, because it will become harder and harder to break as time goes by. It also makes your position very unstable. Because you grip with your knees, your lower leg and calf are not on the horse and they are swinging around, making you very unsteady. Focus on griping with your calves. By doing this, your knees will not be your base of support. Practice a lot of trotting without stirrups to build up your strength. I just takes practice and a constant thought of gripping with the calves and not the knees. However, you do not want your toes to point out, that is bad equitation. Your toes should be pointed straight ahead, however this can be hard to do. If you can't get them straight forward it is OK to have the angle of your thighs match the angle of how far out your toes are pointed.

Answer 2

Do not grip with your thighs either!! You should not grip with anything on your leg. Riding is all about balance. Press your heels down and try to balance. Since you are just beginning, (if your instructor says you can) place your hands on the withers (hump connecting the neck with the rest of the body) or grab the mane to help you get balanced at first then gradually put your shoulders back and stop holding on. Once again, place all attention on balance and keeping your heels down, do not grip!!
Good Luck!
P.S. I know that sounds like I'm trying to be a "know-it-all" but I'm not I promise!!

Answer 3

Try to let all your weight drop into your heel. Hold some of the horses mane in you hand to steady yourself and keep balanced. It is VERY hard to 2 point when your horse is going fast. Ask the horse to slow down before you start your 2 point or ride a slower horse. It will get a lot easier as you keep riding. Your balance will improve and your legs will get muscles.

Answer 4

Well I horse back ride to. I love horses. I started 3 months ago about. Well try to grip with your legs more. Just keeps thinking in your head come on i can do. I can grip with me legs. Also when you do your 2 point hold on to your horses hair its OK it wont hurt. And remember heel in toe out you don't want you boot to close up.
Any more questions just ask.

Answer 5

I used to work at Millfield! I was once an trainer there,and that i ran the polo yard - they have some excellent instructors - this crisis might be sorted very quickly! Your drawback is simple - your gripping along with your knees in canter, this makes it not possible to hold your heels down whilst you go into canter just feel about maintaining you knee far from the saddle and your leg will fall into place, it is going to take time to come to be a addiction, however you'll get there. Do plenty of no stirrup work, it is going to aid you in finding your stability.

Answer 6

It will help having lesons.
You should be riding on the lunge line and sometimes without stirrups. As you develop better balance your seat position and leg position will get better and you will develop more strength in your legs. As your balance gets better you will feel the need to grip less.
Have your trainer help you with seat position and leg position and how high up to post and such.
Remember to have fun.

Answer 7

I used to paintings at Millfield! i replaced into an instructor there,and that i ran the polo backyard - they have some tremendous instructors - this example will be taken care of quickly! Your situation is worry-free - your gripping which include your knees in canter, this makes it no longer conceivable to keep your heels down once you flow into canter basically imagine about holding you knee faraway from the saddle and your leg will fall into position, it is going to take time to grow to be a habit, yet you receives there. Do lots of no stirrup paintings, it may assist you detect your stability.

Answer 8

Lessons should help your problem. I've had it at times too, and lessons have helped me alot. It helps to really focus on your legs, think of loosening the tension in your legs and thinking of sinking your weight in to your heels. I've found that helps me, visulizing being loose. Make sure your not rising to far out of the saddle too. Try working on the lunge, that way you can focus on your position and not controlling the horse. Hope I helped!

Answer 9

my person my not look like it but i own a horse try riding over and over and grip harder and keep on trying u will get it soon. i had the same problem.

Answer 10

Try to keep your heals pressed down, and to take a grip with you thighs. It will eventually come to you! I love to ride and it was really hard at first. It will take a little time.
Good luck!