I’ve noticed recently (though not sure how long I’ve had this habit, as my trainer never pointed it out before–though she has enough she is trying to get me to fix (; ), but my left toe is turned out when I ride. It’s not to the point that I’m constantly spurring my horse (and I’m careful not to nag him with my leg), but even when I consciously try to get it straight, it still turns out more than my right toe (my right is pretty parallel with his side). I’m assuming this is a flexibility thing? If so, what do I need to work on loosening up? Hip flexor? Something else? Thanks in advance!
I have this same problem with my right foot. I find it an improvement as it used to be both feet What I found has helped in the past is a) jointed stirrups b) making sure the stirrups are straight across the balls of your feet and c) riding with a dollar bill tucked into the front of my calf. C might sound weird but it helps to roll your leg forward and if your feet stick out then you drop the dollar bill.
Would love to hear other’s suggestions as well.
I do this too. The MDC stirrups with the adjustable top helped a lot. Other than that, I just have to think ‘toe in, heel out’ all the time and pray eventually that becomes my new normal…
Watching a student with asymmetrical legs, I put them in a different saddle.
‘Voila’! Problem solved.
I had this issue and found that I was one sided in all aspects of my life. When I paid attention, I noticed that I had more flexibility/range of motion on one side in all yoga/stretching exercises. One winter I switched up everything off the horse – the leg I like to cross (especially with ankle on knee crosses), which side I curl my legs when pulling them up on couch, which side I sleep on, everything. The next spring when I got back on, my feet both pointed forward without thinking about it. Worked for me, YMMV.
My right toe used to turn out. Turns out that it was due to
- my left side (lats, quadratus lumborum) being weak
- my right seat bone falling back
- my right thigh turning out
- my left shoulder rotating forward
- my left rhomboids being weak
So - you could have your lower leg rotated out on your knee (which I also have) or it could be a bunch of things leading to your toe turning out - this is usually the most obvious result of the problems listed above.
Am making huge strides correcting this with targeted physical therapy.
Are you turning out from your ankle, knee, or hip?
I always try to think, take my leg away from the saddle and turn my heel outwards, then let the leg drape
like the others said…rotate the whole leg. Think heel out, not toe out. Also, are you “carrying” your horse with that leg? Is it his stiff or hollow side?
I’m curious what specific exercises you did as part of your pt for your weaker leg? Figured zombifying this thread would be more direct than starting another.
I had horrendous duck feet, honestly they both pointed out at 45 degrees - to be fair I have slightly malformed hip sockets (left worse than right) and had an undiagnosed broken coccyx which didn’t help my position full stop.
It was all tightness and general weakness and went on for YEARS.
I used Stubben Offsets on back to front which helped me position my foot more forwards and inwards. It happened in every saddle I sat in (along with a delightful chair seat position even on saddles with set back bars 🫣)
The biggest change was committing to a twice weekly specific rider pilates course a year ago.
I’m absolutely straight and even now - to the point my instructor had me stop using the offsets as I was now fighting against them.
My position in general is stronger, more flexible and secure and my feet don’t turn out at all.
Modern life, where we sit for so many hours of the day, is not good for hip flexibility. Most problems with lower leg position in riding come from one’s hips. Anything you can do to release the tightness in your hips will be beneficial, such as doing pilates, yoga, aquarobics, Alexander Technique, Tai Chi or even sitting on a Swiss Ball (exercise ball) whilst at your computer.
I found Tai Chi brilliant for improving my all-round riding position because it depends on balance so much.