This advice is sound. It is exactly what I was told by my brother and my sister years ago. I began riding in the 60s. My brother played Polo and my sister rode hunter/jumper. I began as a Western rider and preferred bareback way back then. Those were the days. Galloping through fields snd meadows, jumping streams and logs in the woods, i stayed on! Simple, sound, direct and correct advice is best. A good seat is the foundation of all good riding for any discipline or riding style! Happy Trails!! :)
That sounds absolutely lovely. I've never ridden like that except in my dreams. I rode some in my mid 20s but had to quit because I couldn't afford to continue. Now that I'm 46 I fear that my time for that has come and gone. I still hope. But realistically I may have to enjoy it only in my dreams now.
@@virglibrsaglove If money isn’t an issue, I think you can start riding at any age, honestly. My mom is around your age and she wants to start riding lessons for the very first time with me. Of course it’s up to you, I just thought this was worth mentioning?
This video took me from bracing, tensing, and double bouncing due to bad leg placement to immediately being able to ride a posting trot comfortably. It changed EVERYTHING to just put weight on the inside of my thigh, put my feet back slightly, and to point my knees forward. I am so grateful this video exists!
"Kneeling in the saddle" makes so much sense. Thank you. In re-learning how to ride after suffering a debilitating labral tear in my hip for the last ten years and I only got a diagnosis last year and a surgery to fix it so getting back in the saddle has been a painful experience with a lack of confidence. I appreciate the walking example as that's all I'm capable of doing at this point. Thank you.
I hope that 2 years after, you're feeling much better. I 'm the same but my health issues are different. I lost my seat, and struggle a lot for a year now and two falls after...I still keep hopes at least trot and ... one day canter like in the past, 40 years ago. Age is a concern too. Despite not looking my age. Lol. Callie' s advices are still so helpful and she became one of my best inspiration and support.
As a beginning rider this is incredibly helpful! My trainer was just talking to me about gripping with the thigh. This video gave me a third person perspective of what that looks like as well as a better description of what it means mechanically. I've been focusing on keeping my legs back rather than my knees down and forward now I know better. Thanks!!!!
This is probably the best explanation Ive ever received - looking forward to experimenting with it this afternoon - thanks and keep up the great posts.
This is one of the best pieces of advice to improve our riding. As opposed to the attention that usually focuses on the stirrup, using our inner thighs to absorb the horse's motion is truly an eyeopener. Thank you so much Callie for this great tip. So grateful for your video!
Thanks! I came from an instructor that touted "knees off, hips and toes off" my OTTB and ended up in chair seat. New instructor has been retraining me to knees down again. The idea of weight on thighs helps tremendously, as well as not jamming my heels down to get that "perfect" look. I'm an older rider with shorter legs and tight ankles (from years of running). Focusing on thighs and just relaxing lower legs back helps!
Thank you Callie. You have always been very informative. This is a very basic leg position but 60 percent of new riders all over the world don't really get it. Thumbs up!
I really appreciate how you advocate for experimenting by "doing the wrong thing first" to be able to feel the difference. As someone with an issue with mind/muscle connection and as a Kinesthetic learner this is so helpful!
Love your helpful videos, goes without saying. But is nobody going to comment on how stylish the whole riding outfit is? And suits the rider beautifully too :D
This is excellent! "Kneeling in the Saddle".. I love how Callie and Kaitlyn describe things in a different way, that makes total sense. These videos should be mandatory viewing for any new riders!
thank you so much for this video! this is exactly what i found out i do wrong, i push my legs forward and my toes out, but none of my trainers were able to tell me how to get it fixed, they always told me to grip with my knees, which only made it worse! and now since my last fall, when i broke my ankle, i was watching videos how to improve and found yours. you helped a lot, thanks! iam looking forward to trying it after my ankle is ok.
Hi Cally, Getting us to think about the sensation of "kneeling" in the saddle to fix one's leg for the rising trot is so enlightening. From all the way from France, Europe, I am truly enjoying your teaching methods and the ways in which you explain the "how too's" and "why's", it all makes so much sense. Bravo and thank you, and for sharing your knowledge and teaching methods on youtube.
I had some time off of riding and since I've been back in the saddle, I developed a habit of pumping with my legs when I posted. It's so frustrating bc I've tried so hard to stop doing it. Doesn't help much that my horse can be lazy. Tonight for the first time I tried this method and thought about distributing the weight on my thighs... OMG... it worked! I instantly was able to control my lower leg better and post quietly. Thank you so much!!!!!
Wow, that's so encouraging to me! I thought I was the only one out there to consider learning at our age! I rode some in my mid 20s, but had to quit. I'm 46 now and am considering starting again. I'm not sure if I even physically can anymore, but I really want to. How is it going for you?
I love this channel! I’m seeing a lot of channels with riders that keeps their toes out and their feet forward more then usual and my trainer teaches me just like you ride. Definitely watching more videos. Keep up all the good work!! 🤗
Calu you are the best! You are the most Pro and simple and approachable everywhere online... I recently started my riding lessons but watching your videos throughout lessons helps my to progress faster and to increase my passion so much 😊🇮🇹 Grazie Caly!!!! Simo xx 🐴😊
I rode as a young adult. Fox hunting and local shows. The great seat came from balancing between seat, thigh, foot. Split the weight up, most in thigh and foot. You're not sitting in the saddle as much as you are perching. Keeping your weight below the center, makes a very good seat and many less falls. Just talking about it makes me want to ride again. I'm currently without a horse but do have a mini who drives. Can't seem to get off my bump.
back in the 70's, when there were only books & actual instructors for riding - no videos, no computers and no cell phones for instant answers - has anyone ever heard of the "roll your thighs forward" technique ? I was able to stay on over jumps and it helped me to win equitation classes.
this is perfect for me as I fell twice this week,the first time I injured my thigh,and that led to my second fall which injured my face 😹😹thank you so much,you've helped me so much it's unbelievable
Your videos are extraordinarily helpful and you are a succinct and eloquent instructor. You are methodical and precise...and have a kindhearted way. I can't wait to "experiment" with some of the tips you've shared. In particular, the gripping/stirrup pushing/leg swinging/toes out which I've tried to fix forever. Thanks to you I now have an understanding of the causes of the problems AND clear solutions. I would be grateful if you could also suggest "on the ground" exercises to create muscle memory and/or develop better rising trot biomechanics for a quieter, stable leg.
This has given me so much to think about! I’m slowly learning the trot and I kept feeling like I wasn’t going anywhere and that I was bouncing around in the trot. -Cynthia
I remember from another of your videos that an exercise to help get into the flattened thigh position is to bring both knees up (thighs parallel to ground with feet out of stirrups) then lower legs into stirrups maintaining the inner thigh contact. I try to remember to start my ride with this exercise.....it helps me get into the correct position from the beginning. Thanks for the tips!
i started riding last year at the tender age of 69. on my second trainer who is taking me back to all the foundations of a good seat. this is a strong point that she focuses on time and time again. and what a difference this has made!
Very good lesson. I’m working on my posting at the moment. Gives me a lot to “play” with. Gonna check out what the different positions do for me and my Ginny asap. Thanks!
This has been a really great tip for me, I have been more aware of my leg position. My lower leg has been slipping too far forwards lately. Knees pointed down is a simple way to adjust my leg! Thanks !
Another great explanation! My instructors tell me these things, but just in a different way. It may be that I’m home, relaxed and not in the saddle trying to take it all in at once, but your explanations on all your subjects just connect quicker, like the lightbulb moment. Hey, can you explain Quantum physics? I bet I’d understand it if you explained it! Thanks for all you do and looking forward.
this helped a lot because my leg pops out and in when in the canter and trot and it’s always super forward!! this looks so good and I’m going to try this when I ride in lessons and hack and do workouts at home
Today was my first riding lesson after 4 years of no riding (I was a western rider now I'm riding english) and I picked the bad habit of putting pressure only on stirpus and pointing it out . My trainer even said that it's not God and I felt that I was unbalanced on trot and sitting trot this advice is great and going to learn it on my next lesson . The struggle is real
Hey this is similar to me havent been riding in 3 years and i was western and i am going to start back up again this weekend at an english barn..i see this comment was made 6 months ago how has it been going?
where are you located? I absolutely love your teaching style. I've ridden with to many people who would get mad and start yelling, and it really puts a damper on things.
Thank you that’s so helpful especially as I’m struggling riding the posting trot on a new school horse that’s got a completely different feel to the one I was originally riding and I was struggling with leg movement and placement
It's also better for the horse's back. As I was searching information on bareback riding I found on scientific experiment which was done with a pad with sensors in it. The riders who were applying less pressure directly on the horses spine were bearing that weight with their thighs which offers a greater surface to distribute said weight (which is technically what a saddle does, but Noel just demonstrated that this idea still applies with a saddle on because she slowed down when the weight was shifted off the thighs)
Great video! I’m just returning to riding after a bad injury in July ( bicycle related where I dislocated my ankle and then shattered my fibula and fibula above my ankle) and have gone back to basics. I first had to prove with the RDA that I’m stable on the mechanical horse before going onto a “real “one. So I’ve relearned and I’m much more stable and ready for graduation 🎓. Too many years riding race horses, hunters and having been taught the “old” way of gripping with knees etc had ruined my position. So I’m over the moon to be going forwards to riding horses as it’s a big step on a long road of recovery. My only problem is I’ve lost a marked amount of ankle flexion due to the plates in the bottom of my leg and above my ankle and my flexion is very stiff due to muscle tightness. I’m lucky I have a great physio and hope to have 20-40% movement back in the first eight months. I’m doing it and doing it right which is the main thing and both my surgeon, physio and instructor a really pleased with my determination to get back in the saddle and back to normal.😃
Good luck with your recovery!! :) One of the things I used to lengthen my calf muscles and build ankle flexion was stair training. I stood on the lowest stair with just the ball of my foot on the edge and the rest hanging off. Start with one foot and slowly relax your muscles to allow your heel to drop. Gradually add a little bit of weight until you barely feel a pull in the calf muscle. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch feet. As your muscles lengthen and strengthen, do both feet at the same time and let gravity do the work. Of course, *please* discuss the feasibility of this with your physical therapist before trying it. XD Hope this helps!
Warrior Maiden great idea! I’m already doing a stair lunge so adding in that erercise would be great! Obv I would check with physio first. But thank you 😊
@@wilsergirlzer3159 No problem! And there's an added bonus to the exercise: it strengthens your ankles and tones your calves so you not only look great in heels, but you wobble/trip less in them too. XD
Thank you for this video it's hard to see those changes when you're in the saddle. You show me what it looks like when it's wrong really helps compared to how it should be.
Thank you so much. I have rheumatoid arthritis and a 15.3 hand quarter horse. Every time I ride, my knees are sore for a day or two after. I tend to shove my heels down when I ride, so I’m going to try this technique and see if it helps me with my knees.
I just found your videos and I love them. Definitely going to use the tips to try and improve my own riding. Any recommendations on helping a rider who will not stretch their leg down? When riding she brings the leg up and in turn brings her heal up. Her knee also starts coming out from the saddle and her foot usually ends up too deep. Too me it looks like she need to stretch down through the leg and try and keep from letting her knee from creeping up. We have also tried bareback riding and riding on a lung line. I also put her in my old dressage saddle to make it easier for her to find a more up-right position.
A very good exercise for thigh position is to drop your stirrups, let your legs hang then hold your legs out away from the saddle. Follow by sweeping your legs back (this will only be a few inches) then allowing them to come back into contact with the saddle as you bring your thighs back into position. This lays the muscle flat against the saddle in the correct position.
simple and yet not so simple! I've only just learned this year to keep my toes forward and use my thighs, I've been riding with my calves and seat bones only since, ... probably forever. and I wonder why I used to fall off so much!
Hello ! Thank you very much for all of your vidéos, they are very helpful. I juste have a question : how do you manage to put weight inside your thighs without gripping with your knees ? I don t get it, I m sorry :( But i really like all your explanations so I prefer to ask :) Thank you very much !! 🌈
Thank you so much, I really needed this but wasn't sure how to ask the question. My horse does spook and I've been thrown off hoping this will help I just wasn't sure where to grip. He was spook by a herd of Donkeys charging at us from behind so he's not a bad boy just small and doesn't want to get eaten by the lion lol. He did stop and wait for me at the top of the hill.
I am learning to ride on PasoFino horses. Years ago I did some English riding and we always posted during a trot. In my recent lessons, perhaps because of the unique gait of a PasoFino, no one has mentioned posting at all. I have comfortably transitioned from a trot to a canner but did not post at all. This equestrienne center competes world wide so I have to assume the trainers know what they are doing. One actually trained a PasoFino for a Shania Twain video. So I'm confused. This video makes so much sense though...
This advice is sound. It is exactly what I was told by my brother and my sister years ago. I began riding in the 60s. My brother played Polo and my sister rode hunter/jumper. I began as a Western rider and preferred bareback way back then. Those were the days. Galloping through fields snd meadows, jumping streams and logs in the woods, i stayed on! Simple, sound, direct and correct advice is best. A good seat is the foundation of all good riding for any discipline or riding style! Happy Trails!! :)
cynthia g wow what i would give to have experienced that, what a beautiful memory to cherish!
Yes dear I am also a rider and I love riding
That sounds absolutely lovely. I've never ridden like that except in my dreams. I rode some in my mid 20s but had to quit because I couldn't afford to continue. Now that I'm 46 I fear that my time for that has come and gone. I still hope. But realistically I may have to enjoy it only in my dreams now.
instablaster
@@virglibrsaglove If money isn’t an issue, I think you can start riding at any age, honestly. My mom is around your age and she wants to start riding lessons for the very first time with me. Of course it’s up to you, I just thought this was worth mentioning?
This video took me from bracing, tensing, and double bouncing due to bad leg placement to immediately being able to ride a posting trot comfortably. It changed EVERYTHING to just put weight on the inside of my thigh, put my feet back slightly, and to point my knees forward. I am so grateful this video exists!
As a beginner rider this video is extremely informative and the information is explained clearly thanks so much ❤️
"Kneeling in the saddle" makes so much sense. Thank you. In re-learning how to ride after suffering a debilitating labral tear in my hip for the last ten years and I only got a diagnosis last year and a surgery to fix it so getting back in the saddle has been a painful experience with a lack of confidence. I appreciate the walking example as that's all I'm capable of doing at this point. Thank you.
I hope that 2 years after, you're feeling much better.
I 'm the same but my health issues are different. I lost my seat, and struggle a lot for a year now and two falls after...I still keep hopes at least trot and ... one day canter like in the past, 40 years ago. Age is a concern too. Despite not looking my age. Lol.
Callie' s advices are still so helpful and she became one of my best inspiration and support.
As a beginning rider this is incredibly helpful! My trainer was just talking to me about gripping with the thigh. This video gave me a third person perspective of what that looks like as well as a better description of what it means mechanically. I've been focusing on keeping my legs back rather than my knees down and forward now I know better. Thanks!!!!
Im going to try this. I have 4-5 years experience but took a multiple year gap and I’m starting to ride again. I hope this is helpful!
This is probably the best explanation Ive ever received - looking forward to experimenting with it this afternoon - thanks and keep up the great posts.
This is one of the best pieces of advice to improve our riding. As opposed to the attention that usually focuses on the stirrup, using our inner thighs to absorb the horse's motion is truly an eyeopener. Thank you so much Callie for this great tip. So grateful for your video!
Thanks! I came from an instructor that touted "knees off, hips and toes off" my OTTB and ended up in chair seat. New instructor has been retraining me to knees down again. The idea of weight on thighs helps tremendously, as well as not jamming my heels down to get that "perfect" look. I'm an older rider with shorter legs and tight ankles (from years of running). Focusing on thighs and just relaxing lower legs back helps!
Thank you Callie. You have always been very informative. This is a very basic leg position but 60 percent of new riders all over the world don't really get it. Thumbs up!
last comment..thumbs up... instead of " Flat Hands "..
You have helped me develop my riding much better than what I’ve been instructed by my teacher! Thank you!
I really appreciate how you advocate for experimenting by "doing the wrong thing first" to be able to feel the difference. As someone with an issue with mind/muscle connection and as a Kinesthetic learner this is so helpful!
Love your helpful videos, goes without saying. But is nobody going to comment on how stylish the whole riding outfit is? And suits the rider beautifully too :D
Noemi Marchiotti 😃 I thought so too! Styling!
She was my outfit inspiration for one of my lessons, haha... She looks lovely here!
This is excellent! "Kneeling in the Saddle".. I love how Callie and Kaitlyn describe things in a different way, that makes total sense. These videos should be mandatory viewing for any new riders!
Absolutely wonderful. I taught that, that way for years. I love the way your video teaching has matured. Well done.
thank you so much for this video! this is exactly what i found out i do wrong, i push my legs forward and my toes out, but none of my trainers were able to tell me how to get it fixed, they always told me to grip with my knees, which only made it worse! and now since my last fall, when i broke my ankle, i was watching videos how to improve and found yours. you helped a lot, thanks! iam looking forward to trying it after my ankle is ok.
Thank you so much for this - my position improved instantly!! I have only been riding for 10 months and your videos are incredibly helpful!
Hi Cally, Getting us to think about the sensation of "kneeling" in the saddle to fix one's leg for the rising trot is so enlightening. From all the way from France, Europe, I am truly enjoying your teaching methods and the ways in which you explain the "how too's" and "why's", it all makes so much sense. Bravo and thank you, and for sharing your knowledge and teaching methods on youtube.
I love how you don't pontificate endlessly, just identify problem, demonstrate it, and provide the fix. Great job!
I had some time off of riding and since I've been back in the saddle, I developed a habit of pumping with my legs when I posted. It's so frustrating bc I've tried so hard to stop doing it. Doesn't help much that my horse can be lazy. Tonight for the first time I tried this method and thought about distributing the weight on my thighs... OMG... it worked! I instantly was able to control my lower leg better and post quietly. Thank you so much!!!!!
Oh my gosh what a great instructional video. I’m almost 50,only ridden once since a teenager. I’m so inspired now. Thank you 😊
Wow, that's so encouraging to me! I thought I was the only one out there to consider learning at our age! I rode some in my mid 20s, but had to quit. I'm 46 now and am considering starting again. I'm not sure if I even physically can anymore, but I really want to. How is it going for you?
@@virglibrsaglove did you ever try?
@@virglibrsaglove * I mean since this comment was posted :)
I love this channel! I’m seeing a lot of channels with riders that keeps their toes out and their feet forward more then usual and my trainer teaches me just like you ride. Definitely watching more videos. Keep up all the good work!! 🤗
The best advice I'v ever heard regarding the seat! Kneeling in the saddle, brilliant!. I tried it immediately, and it is a game changer! Thank you.
Calu you are the best! You are the most Pro and simple and approachable everywhere online... I recently started my riding lessons but watching your videos throughout lessons helps my to progress faster and to increase my passion so much 😊🇮🇹 Grazie Caly!!!! Simo xx 🐴😊
Clear instruction, methodical approach and great tips for any rider - thank you
I rode as a young adult. Fox hunting and local shows. The great seat came from balancing between seat, thigh, foot. Split the weight up, most in thigh and foot. You're not sitting in the saddle as much as you are perching. Keeping your weight below the center, makes a very good seat and many less falls. Just talking about it makes me want to ride again. I'm currently without a horse but do have a mini who drives. Can't seem to get off my bump.
i watched this two days ago and used it today and it made a HUGE difference, THANK YOU!
This is probably the best explanation on how to rise and trot. I am definitely going to try your method when I ride again. Thank you so much
back in the 70's, when there were only books & actual instructors for riding - no videos, no computers and no cell phones for instant answers - has anyone ever heard of the "roll your thighs forward" technique ?
I was able to stay on over jumps and it helped me to win equitation classes.
I’m curious
Loving your channel. I’m reassessing my seat with a new teacher and your channel is really helpful. You’re a nice rider too 😊
just what I've been looking for, to understanding the mechanics of feeling secure and stable in the saddle. Thank you!
that was the best description of this I have ever heard, thank you
this is perfect for me as I fell twice this week,the first time I injured my thigh,and that led to my second fall which injured my face 😹😹thank you so much,you've helped me so much it's unbelievable
Wow, hope you are okay!
gilliangirl1 awww thank you,I am doing better now
Très utile ! Concis et clair ! Vous expliquez bien les notions à retenir et les mouvements à faire. Merci :)
Your videos are extraordinarily helpful and you are a succinct and eloquent instructor. You are methodical and precise...and have a kindhearted way. I can't wait to "experiment" with some of the tips you've shared. In particular, the gripping/stirrup pushing/leg swinging/toes out which I've tried to fix forever. Thanks to you I now have an understanding of the causes of the problems AND clear solutions. I would be grateful if you could also suggest "on the ground" exercises to create muscle memory and/or develop better rising trot biomechanics for a quieter, stable leg.
I really enjoyed this video! The instructor and horse is lovley too!
This has given me so much to think about! I’m slowly learning the trot and I kept feeling like I wasn’t going anywhere and that I was bouncing around in the trot. -Cynthia
You probably just changed my life thanks
I remember from another of your videos that an exercise to help get into the flattened thigh position is to bring both knees up (thighs parallel to ground with feet out of stirrups) then lower legs into stirrups maintaining the inner thigh contact. I try to remember to start my ride with this exercise.....it helps me get into the correct position from the beginning. Thanks for the tips!
Love the "kneeling for prayer" visualization--it works! and agree inner thigh positioning is key to a stable and comfortable ride.
She never says "kneeling for prayer." She says "kneeling in the saddle." Interesting word association there!
I'm learning how to ride (bareback at that) and that's definitely helping with staying on with the trot.
Callie you’re amazing,a fantastic teacher! Thank you 🙏 I have just returned to riding after a 30 yr break. Your videos are very helpful bless 💕✌️
Noelle looks soooo happy!
This was SO HELPFUL!!! Your explained it perfectly and gave specifics that I will try. THANK YOU!
You should make a video called "Ride Like A Pro" :) thank you so much I've learnt a lot from all your videos.
Noel is so sweet! And thank you this was very informative!
Thank you for these wonderful tips
i started riding last year at the tender age of 69. on my second trainer who is taking me back to all the foundations of a good seat. this is a strong point that she focuses on time and time again. and what a difference this has made!
i find this channel so helpful in general keep up the good work! xx
Very good lesson. I’m working on my posting at the moment. Gives me a lot to “play” with. Gonna check out what the different positions do for me and my Ginny asap. Thanks!
This has been a really great tip for me, I have been more aware of my leg position. My lower leg has been slipping too far forwards lately. Knees pointed down is a simple way to adjust my leg! Thanks !
Another great explanation! My instructors tell me these things, but just in a different way. It may be that I’m home, relaxed and not in the saddle trying to take it all in at once, but your explanations on all your subjects just connect quicker, like the lightbulb moment. Hey, can you explain Quantum physics? I bet I’d understand it if you explained it! Thanks for all you do and looking forward.
I am having a class with horse riding!!~ and its actually expensive,, but wont be buying a horse i am getting one soon!!!
You are good at explaining it well. Thank you so much.
I just tried English for the first time ever today and this is really good info bc I was kinda ridding like I was in my western saddle
hello! I just wanted to say I hope you and your family stay safe in these scary times!
Thanks, your advise has made the best since for me. Like knelling on saddle. I never feel centered.
this helped a lot because my leg pops out and in when in the canter and trot and it’s always super forward!! this looks so good and I’m going to try this when I ride in lessons and hack and do workouts at home
I did like this demonstration thank you, I will go back and see this again.
Today was my first riding lesson after 4 years of no riding (I was a western rider now I'm riding english) and I picked the bad habit of putting pressure only on stirpus and pointing it out . My trainer even said that it's not God and I felt that I was unbalanced on trot and sitting trot this advice is great and going to learn it on my next lesson .
The struggle is real
Hey this is similar to me havent been riding in 3 years and i was western and i am going to start back up again this weekend at an english barn..i see this comment was made 6 months ago how has it been going?
i am so glad that i found this channel!! i love love your videos and especially the topics! totally targeting my problems haha :)
Exactly what I am looking for. Great tip. Gonna try this. Thank you. God bless you.
Stability at the canter is really helpful.I am going to go back to stable and relaxed- not braced- walking trot.
This video was so helpful! Thank you!
where are you located? I absolutely love your teaching style. I've ridden with to many people who would get mad and start yelling, and it really puts a damper on things.
Thank you for this. I started playing polo recently and nearly had a really bad fall last time.
I like the thought of kneeling, I think that will help me with my trot (which I am struggling with!)
Very well made explanation!. Nice video and beautiful horse!
Thank you that’s so helpful especially as I’m struggling riding the posting trot on a new school horse that’s got a completely different feel to the one I was originally riding and I was struggling with leg movement and placement
your a great instructor and lovely as well
Thank you so much for this!
Very good video, great advice!
It's also better for the horse's back. As I was searching information on bareback riding I found on scientific experiment which was done with a pad with sensors in it. The riders who were applying less pressure directly on the horses spine were bearing that weight with their thighs which offers a greater surface to distribute said weight (which is technically what a saddle does, but Noel just demonstrated that this idea still applies with a saddle on because she slowed down when the weight was shifted off the thighs)
thank you. the word kneeling down helps a lot, on how to apply the inner thigh method..
Great video! I’m just returning to riding after a bad injury in July ( bicycle related where I dislocated my ankle and then shattered my fibula and fibula above my ankle) and have gone back to basics. I first had to prove with the RDA that I’m stable on the mechanical horse before going onto a “real “one. So I’ve relearned and I’m much more stable and ready for graduation 🎓. Too many years riding race horses, hunters and having been taught the “old” way of gripping with knees etc had ruined my position. So I’m over the moon to be going forwards to riding horses as it’s a big step on a long road of recovery. My only problem is I’ve lost a marked amount of ankle flexion due to the plates in the bottom of my leg and above my ankle and my flexion is very stiff due to muscle tightness. I’m lucky I have a great physio and hope to have 20-40% movement back in the first eight months. I’m doing it and doing it right which is the main thing and both my surgeon, physio and instructor a really pleased with my determination to get back in the saddle and back to normal.😃
Good luck with your recovery!! :)
One of the things I used to lengthen my calf muscles and build ankle flexion was stair training. I stood on the lowest stair with just the ball of my foot on the edge and the rest hanging off. Start with one foot and slowly relax your muscles to allow your heel to drop. Gradually add a little bit of weight until you barely feel a pull in the calf muscle. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch feet. As your muscles lengthen and strengthen, do both feet at the same time and let gravity do the work. Of course, *please* discuss the feasibility of this with your physical therapist before trying it. XD
Hope this helps!
Warrior Maiden great idea! I’m already doing a stair lunge so adding in that erercise would be great! Obv I would check with physio first. But thank you 😊
@@wilsergirlzer3159 No problem! And there's an added bonus to the exercise: it strengthens your ankles and tones your calves so you not only look great in heels, but you wobble/trip less in them too. XD
This really helps me a lot. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this video it's hard to see those changes when you're in the saddle. You show me what it looks like when it's wrong really helps compared to how it should be.
you are absolutely brilliant, thank you!
Such clear explanations. Thank you.
Informative video. Thanks for sharing tips
Thanks Callie.
Thank You! This information is priceless!
Thanks so Mach for this vídeo Callie
Very well explained
Great video. Thank you
Thank you so much. I have rheumatoid arthritis and a 15.3 hand quarter horse. Every time I ride, my knees are sore for a day or two after. I tend to shove my heels down when I ride, so I’m going to try this technique and see if it helps me with my knees.
Thank you, very helpful!
Best. Tip. Ever!❤️
Great explanation
Noel is so sweet looking!!
This is a very helpful tip.
Thank you so much for this. Now when my mare becomes a rocket I know better than to assume jockey position!!! Lol.
I just found your videos and I love them. Definitely going to use the tips to try and improve my own riding. Any recommendations on helping a rider who will not stretch their leg down? When riding she brings the leg up and in turn brings her heal up. Her knee also starts coming out from the saddle and her foot usually ends up too deep. Too me it looks like she need to stretch down through the leg and try and keep from letting her knee from creeping up. We have also tried bareback riding and riding on a lung line. I also put her in my old dressage saddle to make it easier for her to find a more up-right position.
A very good exercise for thigh position is to drop your stirrups, let your legs hang then hold your legs out away from the saddle. Follow by sweeping your legs back (this will only be a few inches) then allowing them to come back into contact with the saddle as you bring your thighs back into position. This lays the muscle flat against the saddle in the correct position.
Very helpful thank you.
simple and yet not so simple! I've only just learned this year to keep my toes forward and use my thighs, I've been riding with my calves and seat bones only since, ... probably forever. and I wonder why I used to fall off so much!
Hello ! Thank you very much for all of your vidéos, they are very helpful. I juste have a question : how do you manage to put weight inside your thighs without gripping with your knees ? I don t get it, I m sorry :( But i really like all your explanations so I prefer to ask :) Thank you very much !! 🌈
I think it's a matter of developing the upper thigh muscles so that they can take the weight, rather than your knees.
Noelle was PISSED when you did chair seat she was so mad! xD
Thank you so much, I really needed this but wasn't sure how to ask the question. My horse does spook and I've been thrown off hoping this will help I just wasn't sure where to grip. He was spook by a herd of Donkeys charging at us from behind so he's not a bad boy just small and doesn't want to get eaten by the lion lol. He did stop and wait for me at the top of the hill.
70 yo.
Taking my 3rd lesson tomorrow. I’m gonna try this👍
I am learning to ride on PasoFino horses. Years ago I did some English riding and we always posted during a trot. In my recent lessons, perhaps because of the unique gait of a PasoFino, no one has mentioned posting at all. I have comfortably transitioned from a trot to a canner but did not post at all. This equestrienne center competes world wide so I have to assume the trainers know what they are doing. One actually trained a PasoFino for a Shania Twain video. So I'm confused. This video makes so much sense though...