RE: Centered Riding problem

["Kendall, Jennifer" <Jennifer_Kendall@adc.com>]

Hi Kristi,
I have a similar problem.  My lower spine twists and I feel like one leg is "longer" than the other in the stirrups.  If that is the same feeling you experience (my foot wants to fall off the stirrup) The best thing to do is to stretch really good before you ride.  Do some exercises while in the saddle.  Ride a few large circles with your feet out of the stirrups, keep your legs nice and long and your back relaxed (sit up straight, but relax your lower back)do this at a slow jog.  Another thing to do while riding these circles is leave your feet out of the stirrups, and push your heels down so you feel a stretch..do this for 1/2 a lap, then point your toes to the ground and grip with your thighs for as long as you can stand it...do this 10 times, then go back to dangling your legs sitting tall relaxing your lower back at a jog for 2 or 3 laps..this seems to help me loosen up somewhat.  When I start to canter/lope I start feeling like I am going to twist, I sit tall and try not!
 to fight it..if you feel yourself fighting, drop to a trot until you relax in the back and try again.  This seems to help me.  You might also try to see a chiropractor.  If something IS twisted, they can work it back into place for you.  I go atleast once a month.
Hope this helps..feel free to email me in the future if you would like more help with this!
Good Luck
Jenni  :)

-----Original Message-----
From: guest@endurance.net [mailto:guest@endurance.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 1999 7:09 AM


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