Leg...

[...Nina...]

okay, when one is jumping one needs to keep thier leg flat against the saddle. Now, when one is jumping and has good posistion overall except when they jump they use the back of their calve instead of leaving their leg flat...how would one correct that...thanks lol

[Rebecca]

Turn your toe in. You're gripping with your lower leg. I was totally confused by the "one" thing, I had to read it a few times to understand what you were asking hahaha.

[jesssie]

Do you mean that you turn your toe out?

I've found that there is definately a difference of opinions on toe out v. toe in. The argument for for flexing your toe out and using the back of your calf is for more stability. This is how my trainer teaches and I prefer to ride. When I got my C2 and C3 in Pony Club, the raters wanted to see the foot and toe parallel with the horse's side (toe in). Their arguement was that this was for better flexibility in the ankle.

So, when I had to change my riding style a little for my rating, I just thought about keeping my foot parallel to my horse's side...does that help?

PS, your lower leg IS your base of support, and thats what you SHOULD be using to "grip" with.

[Rebecca]

I agree that you're lower leg is indeed an important base of support, but so are your inner thighs and seat.

[...Nina...]

yea...i grip with my lower back calve.. and idk my knee is off and it bugs me