Standing in the stirrups at Trot

[EnlightenedOwl]

We did this in my lesson today and I found it so hard. Eventually got it by holding mane and then managed to let go and manage it myself. Any tips for making it easier?

[OhMyArsingGodInABox]

Haha no idea but I did the same thing in my last lesson. I think you just have to find your balance point. It looks so easy!

[EnlightenedOwl]

My problem is my legs or lack of strength thereof. Pony was 13.2 and I couldn't get on from the ground. The embarrassment. But then again I have only just got back to riding and just need to get a bit fitter so not being too hard on myself and at least I managed it in the end. Will do some exercises at the gym to strengthen my lower leg/core strength.

[mrslaughan]

in the two point position (what my old instructor used to call it)
I don't think its so much about strength, but flexibility in inner leg all the way from hip, but is a fab exercise for strengthening your core

[EnlightenedOwl]

That's it, I need to really work on core strength. After all not had formal riding lessons for twenty years!! I've going to get a balance/wobble board which will help immensely and do some pilates. I like a challenge luckily!

[PitchSlapped]

You need to absorb the movement through your knees, kind of soften them and let the horse move underneath you. Pushing your heels down might also help

[TeenagersDriveMeMad]

It's a good test of lower leg position and stability (or lack of it)! I try to do one 1-hour hack a week in two-point the whole time and it's made a massive difference to my position and leg control (have a v uncomfortable saddle helps too).

Was your lower leg coming too far forward so you were falling backwards, or was it shooting backwards so you were falling forward?

If it was the former then there's a chance that you're 'pushing' your heels down. You shouldn't need to force them, they should simply absorb your weight - I hate the (mostly American) fashion for forcing heels as far down as they'll go as it braces the whole lower leg and you lose the mobility and softness. I used to ride like this until I met a brilliant instructor who'd studied Classical Dressage for 15 years before starting to teach.

If the latter, you need to bring your lower leg underneath yourself more - there should be a straight line from ear-shoulder-hip-heel.

If you keep doing 2-point regularly you'll be impressed with the core strength you build up relatively quickly .

[EnlightenedOwl]

Found it hard to get up into two point at all. It was almost as if I lacked strength and balance? My leg wasn't supporting at all. And I couldn't get on from the ground just like my legs aren't strong enough. Its just lack of general fitness I suspect which I can work on

[Chillyevenings]

No shame in not mounting from the ground. My pony is 13.3 and I always mount from a block. Much better for the horse to mount from a block, no matter what size.

[todayisnottheday]

If you found it hard to get up as if your leg wasn't supporting you it could be that you are gripping with your knees or thighs. Key is definitely relaxed legs to allow and absorb the movement so maybe try turning your knees out slightly then relaxing you whole leg down (no stirrups) Once your leg stays really long and fluid try again. Definitely don't force your heels or tense yourself. It's not easy but it's a bit like posting/rising in trot, suddenly it just clicks!

[TeenagersDriveMeMad]

You're better mounting from a block (or wall, or fence, or gate, or tree stump...) as continued mounting from the ground can twist or even break the saddle tree. It can also make the horses back sore. There's no shame in using a mounting block so please don't be embarrassed by that!

It might just be a strength thing with your legs. More time in the saddle will fix that . Next time you do it pay close attention to what goes 'wrong' just before you sit again - go through the mental checklist of legs, shoulders, hips, arms. If you're finding it difficult to get up it's possible that your stirrups are too long, or that you're in a chair seat. In a chair seat your legs aren't underneath you and so can't possibly support you - and it'll mean you're pinching with your knees too.

Do you have mirrors in the arena where you ride?

[Booboostoo]

It's a fantastic exercise for balance and building core strength. Were you on the lunge? That's the best way to do it really. The instructor can be in charge of the pony of the lunge, keeping a very rhythmical trot and you can use a neck strap to balance yourself. Do a little bit at a time and you will get better and better at it. When can stay up though transitions with your arms extended to the sides you'll feel a real difference in your balance.

[EnlightenedOwl]

Cheers there's some really useful stuff there to work on thanks.

[EnlightenedOwl]

oh just seen someone mentioned mirrors - yes they are in the arena and they are very useful.

[ememem84]

i had the same issue yesterday. Have gone back to riding after about 20 years. And found that rising trot was really difficult (although it was my first lesson). legs are sore today.

was thinking I'd have to do some work at the gym to strengthen legs/core.

[PetalToTheMetal]

You need lots of little angles to open and close - ankle, knee, hip, flexibility through the back. Don't try to stand in the stirrups as such; your weight should be off the horse but your seat should still be lightly, barely brushing the saddle. All those angles absorb the movement. The softer you can stay, the easier it will be to balance. Make sure you look ahead where you're going. That helps balance too. Then it's just practise :)

[EnlightenedOwl]

That's what I have been doing - lots of exercises to strengthen lower leg etc and its really helped

Now got another problem. I've decided I don't like my riding instructor. Hmm.

[ememem84]

I did get it, but not every time. I'd be doing it right, then it'd all fall apart. Do frustrating.

I also kept forgetting to look forwards. was looking down a lot and almost lost balance once.

Really enjoyed it though, and cannot wait until next lesson. Forgot how much I loved it.

Off tomorrow to buy new helmet. I borrowed one yesterday, and it was suggested I buy my own. My sister suggested that the borrowed ones may have been worn by children with nits! So am now all scratchy and paranoid!!

went to yoga this morning to have a good stretch, and to work on flexibility. I'm usually alright, just think that I'm getting all confused because it's a new way of movement and my body's not used to it.

Any tips for sore muscles...!?

[mrslaughan]

For sore muscles, keep on moving, more riding , walking ( up hill and down I have a dog) and yoga