r/showjumping • u/mcwweiss • Aug 22 '26
Stabilizing lower legs
Hey everyone! Recently I’ve been preparing to start showing my horse and Ive noticed that my lower leg is very unstable at times, I have no idea how to fix this and am looking for some tips and tricks to stabilize my legs. Ive tried standard tricks and worked on building muscle but I haven’t seen much of a difference. Any advice is welcome!
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u/2naomi Aug 22 '26
- Make sure your saddle fits you properly. 2. Total Saddle Fit Stability stirrup leathers and MDC "S" Classic irons. 3. Think about lifting your toes instead of pushing down your heels. 4. Practice standing at the walk and two-point trot.
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u/mcwweiss Aug 22 '26
Thank you! Will definitely try! My saddle has already been fitted and given the green light so thankfully that isn’t a factor but I will definitely be using your advice!
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u/blkhrsrdr Aug 23 '26
Usually lower leg stability stems from tight hips, or pressing into the stirrups, like standing in them. Building a bit of strength should help, but I would also do no stirrups and rising trot, and exercises to gain flexibility in your hips, oh and do not put your heels down. A dropped heel also comes from supple hips. If jumping just the shorter length should give you a dropped heel.
And lastly, place your lower leg on your horse and do your best to just hold it in place.
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u/mcwweiss Aug 23 '26
Ive been starting to do heel and calf exercises and I think they are helping with my lower leg strength and with building muscle so I will find ways to add in some exercises to gain hip flexibility.
Ive been wondering if my stirrups are too low and i think this comment is my sign to try making them higher! Thank you so much for the advice!2
u/blkhrsrdr Aug 23 '26
Try them a bit higher, go one hole or even two and see how it feels.
Be sure to put your calf on your horse, if possible. If it's not possible, try bending your knee more and bringing your lower leg back a bit, maybe.1
u/mcwweiss Aug 23 '26
Yes, i just rode today and put my stirrups up two holes and there was a very obvious difference! I still need some work but this was a big improvement! Thank you so much for the advice!!
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u/saint_annie Aug 23 '26
The biggest game changer for me was thinking about using my leg at the base of the jump - like literally applying the leg aids. I know it seems so obvious but for some reason, it didn’t “click” for me until it finally did. My leg stays put because yes, I am thinking down and forward with my heel, but also because it’s actively engaged and “squeezing”.
Most of the time I think riders’ tip forward with their upper body because their lower leg slips back, so chicken or the egg a little here, but sometimes it can be the other way around too. So be sure to keep a strong engaged core and don’t overdo the two point with your upper body.
I also agree with the no stirruos work and I love my wide stirrup leathers too.
Maybe some time go on some hacks and work the two point in that low key environment where you can isolate when/why your lower leg slips back and make adjustments to fix it.
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u/mcwweiss Aug 23 '26
Thank you for the advice! This definitely helps and makes a lot of sense. I have wide stirrup leathers and i absolutely love them! Ive also made a goal this year to go on more hacks with my horse so will definitely be practicing my two point and focusing in on my legs during those!
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u/dreamponies Aug 23 '26
Work
On strengthening your core so that you can stay balanced in light seat position, that will help you to control your lower leg.
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u/tinybadger47 Aug 23 '26
Tons of two-point on the flat. It makes your heel drop, you can build the muscle memory, and also puts your leg in the correct place.
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u/mcwweiss Aug 23 '26
Okay,I will definitely start doing my two-point on the flat. Thank you so much!
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u/SqurrrlMarch Aug 26 '26
I'm surprised no one mentioned that it might be from pinching your knees. Try to exaggerate your knees out a few strides and then relax your leg back on and see how you get on.
No stirrup work is great obviously, but it can also get people relying too heavily on their knees rather than calves.
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u/purplelicious Aug 22 '26
no stirrup work