Legs too far back

[SugarCubes]

I’ve come across so many threads discussing position fixes for a chair seat, but what about the opposite issue of legs being too far back? Apparently, this is way less common based on the lack of threads

Biomechanically, what exactly would be the cause assuming the saddle fits the rider correctly? I know knee pinching can lead to the lower leg slipping back, but what else could cause this if the rider isn’t a knee pincher? Tightness in the hips or low back? Is it more of an upper body issue? What are some exercises or tricks you’ve seen that “cure” this position issue?

[intheirons]

No advice from me but I will be following this thread closely… I have the same issue and it really varies depending on the horse that I’m riding!

[SuzieQNutter]

If you are talking about on the flat think lift your hands and sit on your butt.

[belamb21]

Not enough weight in your stirrups. Think of your weight distribution and balance on a horse just like it would be if you were standing on the ground. You stand with your feet under your body bc thats how the weight and balance works. If you get into a 2-point or “standing” position your legs should automatically go to where it belongs…bc frankly you will fall over otherwise.

Bio-mechanically it could be a pinched knee, therefore keeping your weight out of your stirrups. Or “sitting” too heavy or too much without your weight being distributed down your leg. Also, if you are leaning too much forward that could impact it, as again, you are impacting your balance and weight distribution.

One exercise I like to do for balance is a double post…it an be frustration at first…but you can’t do it unless your leg is underneath you…so it is a pretty clear indicator of when you are right or wrong.

[Training_Cupid]

Leaning forward to much can cause the lower leg to slide back to counter balance. For me thinking about pushing my hips forward (belly button to [horse’s] ears) helps.

[Scribbler]

I have a friend with this problem, and it is due to stiffness and imbalance in her hips related to mild scoliosis. She just cannot keep her leg dropped below her and use it. Every time she squeezes, her leg rides up the side of the horse towards the saddle pad, and she tips forward… She also can’t really point her toes forward. She is an experienced and in many ways very competent and skilled rider, she is getting RMT and phyiotherapy help, but she really really cannot beat this problem as of yet. Also her hips get quite sore when she tries.

[MontysGal]

I do this terribly. It’s a combination of tight hips and and a pinched knee in my case. And I can double-post (two beats up) and two point around with no effort, but my leg is way behind where it should be. I refer to this as “kicking my horse in the stifle” and I hate it.
Since January 1st (new years resolution!) I’ve tied my stirrups to my girth with binder twine. It hurts. A lot. But it’s helping!

[RedHorses]

Is it just your lower leg resting too far back? For a while I had trouble with my leg being too far back, but it was my whole leg from the hip - which means all the above ideas wouldn’t apply.

Just the lower leg moving can also be an indicator of an ineffective leg. The leg moves back as the rider attempts to apply more pressure with the leg. In that case some sharpening exercises to get the horse listening better and the rider paying more attention to the responses they’re getting and how clear they are with their aids can be a big help.

[BigBlackDog]

Make sure your stirrups are the absolute correct length. I rode with mine too long then over compensated by riding with my ankles in my armpits. Both lengths made me unable to truly put my leg under me. I also really struggled with overall straightness in my body and I’ve started to correct that and it’s helping. Also, if you have more of a push ride type of horse, nagging with the leg can train those muscles to just stay curled up and too far back. I am trying to stop being a nag (which my horse appreciates! :lol:) and ride with a strong, stable leg that will ultimately be more effective. And like Monty’sGal suggested, tie your stirrups to help with the strength and muscle memory.

[Engage]

I also struggle with this at the moment. A big chunk of my problem is my saddle. I have an old Wintec with the stirrup bars too far back for me so I am fighting that. Unfortunately a different saddle is out of the question at the moment, so I must just do my best.
I found concentrating on relaxing my knees and really draping my leg around the horse and into my heel made a big difference. Being aware of when I was pulling my leg back helped too - you would need someone on the ground to tell you. And sitting trot, focusing on keeping my toes pointing more forward.

[SugarCubes]

Thanks, all! I do think part of it is my horse, he can be lazy and I know when he’s dull I use way too much muscle which causes my leg to come up and back…we’re working on sharpening him up to the aids and I’ve started riding him with a small spur which has helped. I can do up-up-down no problem, and regularly drop my stirrups for w-t-c and over small jumps.

When I focus on keeping my leg more forward, I can feel it in my lower back so I’m wondering if it’s stemming from a weakness there. I plan on trying to strengthen my back and core at the gym to see if that helps. I have a very arched lower back and my pelvis naturally tips forward…so I assume I need to get used to the feeling of that neutral pelvis position? Because my lumbar spine is so deeply arched, it feels like I’m almost roaching my lower back to get that neutral pelvis…does that sound right? In reality, when I do that, my back is perfectly flat (I double checked in the mirrors!) but man, it makes my back sore after a few minutes. Which again, makes me think that’s the weakness causing the issue?

[WalnutGroveEq]

@SugarCubes

Thanks, all! I do think part of it is my horse, he can be lazy and I know when he’s dull I use way too much muscle which causes my leg to come up and back…we’re working on sharpening him up to the aids and I’ve started riding him with a small spur which has helped. I can do up-up-down no problem, and regularly drop my stirrups for w-t-c and over small jumps.

When I focus on keeping my leg more forward, I can feel it in my lower back so I’m wondering if it’s stemming from a weakness there. I plan on trying to strengthen my back and core at the gym to see if that helps. I have a very arched lower back and my pelvis naturally tips forward…so I assume I need to get used to the feeling of that neutral pelvis position? Because my lumbar spine is so deeply arched, it feels like I’m almost roaching my lower back to get that neutral pelvis…does that sound right? In reality, when I do that, my back is perfectly flat (I double checked in the mirrors!) but man, it makes my back sore after a few minutes. Which again, makes me think that’s the weakness causing the issue?

An over arched lower back stiffens the pelvis and doesn’t allow you to use your abdominal muscles in your core. The soreness you feel in your back might actually just be from the stretching of the muscles that are used to being tense and tight during riding.

Try tying your stirrups to your girth with baling twine or string. This will help to force you to keep your legs underneath you.

[SugarCubes]

@Engage

I also struggle with this at the moment. A big chunk of my problem is my saddle. I have an old Wintec with the stirrup bars too far back for me so I am fighting that. Unfortunately a different saddle is out of the question at the moment, so I must just do my best.
I found concentrating on relaxing my knees and really draping my leg around the horse and into my heel made a big difference. Being aware of when I was pulling my leg back helped too - you would need someone on the ground to tell you. And sitting trot, focusing on keeping my toes pointing more forward.

This is why COTH is so awesome…just hearing something a different way can be SO helpful. Between reading this and thinking about draping my legs around my horse, and thinking about keeping more weight on the outside branch of the stirrup (which was suggested in a different thread) my trainer said my position was great today and my leg stayed where it was supposed to :D!! So THANK YOU all!

[Pocket_Pony]

I would say the issue is likely to be a combination of the saddle not being the right fit and the stirrups being too long. You shouldn’t have to fight the saddle. If the saddle doesn’t allow your leg to be where it is supposed to be, then it isn’t the right saddle for you. “Saddle fit” is more than feeling comfortable for your backside. It is about balance (which you aren’t if your leg is out behind you) and allowing you to be effective as a rider.

Do you have any barn friends with different saddles you could try?

Also, put your stirrups up a hole or two.

It seems that some instructors encourage the over-arched back and bum-sticking-out posture, which is just posing and as you age will make your back hurt.

I’d suggest doing some off-the-horse exercises for yourself. If you tend to be a bum-out rider, work on bridge pose (google it for video) to help you learn how to “tuck” your butt and work on flexibility and movement in your lower back. It is also a workout for the thighs.

[jaybird660]

It could be that the saddle doesn’t fit as well as you think or the rise on the cantle is not offering enough “seat” so that your pelvis tips. It isn’t always that a seat is too small but the shape and rise of the cantle as well, or pommel for that matter. It could be stirrup bar placement or that the saddle dips slightly in front during riding which isn’t evident in static fit. Or, a combination of much of the above with that.