Exercises to improve (what I think is) a subtly moving lower leg?

[ace]

@retiredhorse

You can also try dropping just one stirrup on a 20m circle, or lunge line, at the posting trot. Drop the outside stirrup and see if you can keep your inside leg on your horse, and if you can stay centered and effective. Then go the other way. You’ll probably notice a big difference with the weaker leg and more crooked side. This is a way to check if you’re developing your muscles evenly or in the middle of the horse. And you can incorporate this with dropping both stirrups and other exercises.

Yes, drop 1 stirrup instead of both! I had a dressage instructor suggest this to me and it has been so, so helpful. If you know your left leg tends to ride up, drop the right stirrup for walk and trot going both directions, after the horse is warmed up. Along with the other exercises suggested, at trot up for 2 or 3 beats, down for 1. 2 point at all 3 gaits, transitions between gaits, and trot-halt-trot transitions. Legs start to burn after awhile!