How to Stop Gripping With your Knees

When it comes to horse riding then one of the common problems with rider position is the tendency to grip with the knees. It is crucial because it creates two big problems that include making the saddle unstable & causing your lower leg to come in the way of the horse making it less effective to use while riding. It becomes really important to stop gripping with your knees, as it makes riding difficult for you & horse both. Here we have some helpful tips on how to stop yourself from gripping with your knees. 

Correct Leg Position 

Before starting you must know what you are planning to make better in position while horse riding. Your knees should be rested against the knee roll but must not grip, your thighs should lay flat against the saddle flap. Your heel must be down while riding as it causes the stretch in calf muscles whilst remaining in close contact with the horse's sides. It will allow your horse clear aids without any confusion as it resolves the background noise which is often created by a rider whose leg continually kicks the horse. Do not try to ride with a straight knee as it can cause a dressage leg position. Proper knee patch breeches can help you in riding with correct position which make it easy for you & your horse to ride comfortably. 

Problems Created by Gripping with the Knee

While gripping your knees, your lower leg comes off the horse & moves around giving your horse random bumps which they do not like. It also makes confusion in the mind of the horse as what you are trying to convey through your leg aids from all the noise and flapping of the lower leg. Gripping your knees also makes the horse rise upwards, which can turn your leg to come forward. Once your leg comes too forward then you will find yourself tipping forward to try to keep your balance to find ways to lean backwards in order to keep your body straight in the saddle. Another problem that you face by gripping is you make your seat become insecure, as it makes your horse misbehaves & can result in your fall on the floor. 

Exercise Along with Right Clothing is the Key

Exercise & the right clothing can help in this situation & stop you from gripping the saddle. The accessories like full seat silicone grip breeches can help you comfortably settle on the saddle which makes you dictate terms & easily handle your lower leg while riding a horse. Comfort is supreme when it comes to any sport & same is followed in horse riding. All you need to do is to perform a set of exercise everyday & proper equestrian women's clothing while riding the horse to control yourself & avoid knee gripping. 

If you are usually gripping your knee then you do not have to worry as it is a common fault among the new riders. But it can easily compromise your position in the saddle & lead to confusing aids for your horse so not performing it is really important while riding. However, practicing & exercising can help you release your knees and improve your overall position for everything in your favor.