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rider's feet

The rider's feet

Droits d'accès: 
Abonné
Image Miniature: 
Résumé listing: 

During my clinics, it is when working on positioning the feet that I observe the greatest transformations in riders. This is what I call «the intelligent foot» because it is the foot, placed in a position suited to the situation that allows the rest of the rider’s body to be well balanced.

Niveau de difficulté: 
Débutant
Goal: 

The heel must be kept slightly lower maintaining a reserve amount of ‘shock absorption’ in the ankle.
On the other hand, the feet must always be parallel, like those of a skier. This way they can move following the horse’s movement. When freely moving forward, they allow one to find one’s balance, for example, when jumping or turning. At the take-off point, intelligent feet must provide impulsion and a fraction of a second later, be able to return to their original position to keep the rest of the body balance.

 

Progress: 

To work on the position of the feet, move your toes exaggeratedly forward and backwards without stirrups, at a halt.
Do this a number of times as if your feet were the balance wheel of a clock.

Variant / Progression: 

ATTENTION!
. Pointing the toes outwards is a very common defect in riders. The calf generally stays glued to the horse and leg aids become ineffective. A saddle excessively padded near the knees can, at times, be the cause of this problem.
. If the rider’s feet move forward, the pelvis moves back and it becomes difficult to use leg aids. In this position, the rider puts pressure on the horse’s sensitive back.
. If the rider’s feet are positioned too far back, he will lose his balance and fall forwards.

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