Ridecamp: RE: [RC] Heels down

This may sound strange but try riding with "toes up" instead
of heels down. When done correctly you utilize and entirely
different set of muscles.

Toes up gives a natural grip with your inner thighs and
relaxes the rest of the leg. Do not try to do this for
lengthy periods of time until your new set of muscles are
strengthened.

Bob

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of April
Johnson
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 10:15 AM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [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


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