Ridecamp: [RC] Heels down

I don't particularly watch whether my toes are in or out, but I do ride 
heels down. Or at least putting more weight in my heels (which usually 
translates into heels below the level of the stirrups). I find I am better 
balanced that way. At least in my old leather western saddle.

However, I do have knee pain. I wear a left knee brace if I'm going to ride 
further than 10 miles or so. Course that could be to the horrendous 
wrenching my left knee took when I was 16 and learning to ride (bareback, I 
might add ;]) and the clever pony I was on decided to get me off and ran 
between two trees only wide enough to accomodate his fat tummy and only one 
of my knees.

My toes do go to sleep sometimes, though.

My biggest problem is gripping with my thighs. Works great for bareback, but 
not so much for a saddle. I bought an Abetta endurance saddle (keep running 
to check to see if it's here yet!) and hopefully, I'll end up with less 
bruising on my lower thighs and inside knee. Panty hose under my cotton 
riding Dockers help. I'm tempted, VERY tempted, to get one of those full 
saddle sheepskin seat covers. Now to convince hubby?

I'd field suggestions on how to force myself to relax more in the saddle and 
not grip so much with my thighs.

Only time will tell if I can make this bareback to saddle transition :). 
Looking forward to BSF. Can't wait for Tanna's and my first ride together!

April (novice)
Nashville, TN

april@xxxxxxxxxx


_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=