Ridecamp: Re: [RC] grip with their calves

--- sharp penny <penelope_75647@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I should have been more specific and said that
> those not used to riding bareback will have a
> tendency to
> grip with their whole leg and may unintentionally
> create a
> bad habit that will be hard to break. Some bareback
> riders
> will also have a tendency to "pinch" with their
> knees with
> out realizing they are doing this...another no no.

I attempted to elaborate on my response to this
yesterday, but I think it was sent privately (to whom,
I don't know). :)

What I was going to say is that Penny is right.  The
calf and/or knee gripping is a known "side-effect" for
many bareback riders.  In my own case, I spent YEARS
riding almost exclusively bareback and was FAR more
comfortable bareback than with a saddle.  I did NOT
grip with my knees or lower legs while riding
bareback.  However, when I would ride in a saddle, I
didn't feel as secure as I did bareback and that is
when the gripping would start (especially in a hunt
seat saddle back in my jumping days).  Woops.  The
solution for me was switching over to the saddle most
of the time.  I still get in some bareback riding
(especially on my "old lady" who doesn't like saddles
much -- she and I spent so many years bareback that
she shows a clear preference for bareback), but I'm
now just as comfortable and secure in a saddle as
bareback.  :)  

~Nicole

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