Improving Leg Stability In The Saddle - Exercise 4: Riding Without Stirrups

Improving Rider Leg Stability - Exercise 4: Riding Without Stirrups
With Natalie Alexander, NMA Fitness
Riding without stirrups is one of the best exercises we can practice as riders. It naturally puts your leg in the correct position and gives you no choice but to use your leg as we should, whilst also teaching you to ride with your seat and allow the hips to rock and go with the flow of the horse, not against him.
1. Start in walk at first - even just 10 minutes at the start of your session everyday will make all the difference!
2. Once you’re comfortable in the walk, progress to trot. Trot is the hardest of the gaits to master, but think about wrapping your leg around the horse, relax the leg, brace the core, sit up tall and most importantly, BREATHE.
3. Now you can progress to canter. I recommend using a neck strap for balance and to save your horse’s teeth should you lose your balance. If you aren't overly confident, ask a friend to help you and lunge your horse so there is one less thing to worry about and you can really concentrate on your balance and relaxing into your seat.
4. Once you have mastered all 3 gaits, it's time to mix them up and add in transitions, and transitions within the gait.
I highly recommended taking the stirrups away at the start of every session - 10 minutes a day really will make a difference.
For more exercises designed to improve leg stability in the saddle, please see, www.horsemart....

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This is all wrong. You don’t have to stick your calves and ankle to the horse’s body to stay on top! Have a natural balance without gripping 😑