Equestrian Coach Blog
Before And After Legs On

Improving Your Lower Leg Position

Question submitted by member:

Hello!

In Bernie Traurig’s video Building Blocks to a Great Position: Part 1, he includes a photo of before and after a clinic working on wrapping your leg around the horse/legs on. I was wondering if there was any way you could go more in depth on how to achieve that/how it’s done?

Thank you!

Answer by Natasha:

I like to think of the phrase “wrapping your leg around the horse” as creating better contact with your horse in order to give clearer leg aids. It begins with heel depth and correct placement of your lower leg. Your lower leg should be placed at the back edge of the girth, and your heel should be down and able to act as a spring.

Be aware of the placement of your foot in the stirrup. Your stirrup should be placed under the ball of your foot and the stirrup iron at a correct angle. Make sure your toe’s angle is between 10 and 30 degrees (unless your conformation doesn’t allow it). A toe turned out too far will negatively affect your position and communication with the horse as it will create constant leg pressure, and a toe turned in too far will also negatively affect your position by taking your lower leg contact away from the horse.

Think of creating contact from your calf all the way down to the top of your ankle. You should be able to lightly feel the horse’s sides with this contact. Your heel is down yet your lower leg (calf to the top of your ankle) remains in place and in contact with your horse. You want to have a deep heel and contact between your calf and the horse’s side. Make sure that you are not gripping hard with your inner thighs which will weaken your lower leg and create a stiff seat.

Imagine holding a BOSU exercise ball between your calves while relaxing your thighs and seat bones. You can squeeze the ball with the pressure from your lower leg and release the pressure. It is essentially the same while on the back of a horse.

I suggest watching Building Blocks to a Great Position:Part One once more, as it goes into great detail and imagery on lower leg position, and exercises to improve and strengthen your lower leg as well.

Video Recommendations:

Exercises To Increase Heel Depth by Bernie Traurig

Exercises To Increase Heel Depth
Bernie Traurig
“Put your heels down…” this is one of the first things every rider is taught because it is so essential to proper position and effective riding. In this topic, Bernie focuses on ways to increase and maintain deep heels every day.
Running Time:  6 minutes and 32 seconds

View Video
A Lunge Lesson by Val Renihan

A Lunge Lesson
Val Renihan
One of the best places to focus on the rider is on the lunge line. This video includes and intro by Bernie Traurig who is a big believer in this exercise. Val Renihan explains the many benefits that are achieved with this type of lesson, including enhancing the rider’s feel, strength and flexibility. She incorporates different exercises that increase the rider’s stability in the tack, encourage the independence of the arms and seat, and build suppleness and core strength.
Running Time:  15 minutes and 15 seconds

View Video
leg and seat position

Range of Motion Exercise with Introduction by George Morris
Bernie Traurig
George Morris, in his introduction, talks about and clears up some of the frequently misconstrued points of position. Bernie elaborates on how to improve the functionality of your lower leg with his range of motion exercise.
Running Time:  11 minutes and 15 seconds

View Video
Building Blocks to a Great Position Part 1 by Bernie Traurig

Building Blocks to a Great Position: Part 1
Bernie Traurig
In Part 1 of Building Blocks to a Great Position, Bernie Traurig starts with proper leg position as a basis for a solid foundation in the tack. With demonstrations by his daughter, Natasha, this video outlines exercises that enhance proper techniques.
Running Time:  19 minutes and 57 seconds

View Video
Building Blocks to a Great Position Part 2 by Bernie Traurig

Building Blocks to a Great Position: Part 2
Bernie Traurig
In Part 2 of Building Blocks to a Great Position, Bernie Traurig continues his progressive system to develop a solid foundation for jumping disciplines. With demonstrations by his daughter, Natasha, this video outlines exercises that enhance proper techniques.
Running Time:  11 minutes and 43 seconds

View Video
Building Blocks to a Great Position Part 2 by Bernie Traurig

Building Blocks To A Great Position: Part 3
Bernie Traurig
In Part 3 of Building Blocks to a Great Position, Bernie Traurig continues his progressive system to develop a solid foundation for jumping disciplines. With demonstrations by his daughter, Natasha, this video outlines exercises that enhance proper techniques.
Running Time:  10 minutes and 24 seconds

View Video

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Natasha Traurig Ferrara

Natasha Traurig Ferrara

Raised in the barn, Natasha Traurig Ferrara developed her riding career under the tutelage of her parents, Christine and Bernie Traurig, establishing an esteemed foundation in horsemanship at a very young age. At the age of 18, Natasha claimed her “professional” status and continued her education and career under the direction of prominent riders like Mandy Porter, Simon Nizri, and Michelle Parker, and running the sales and development of horses for Neil Jones Equestrian. She now operates Traurig Tradition Inc., specializing in the development and training of young horses to Grand Prix Show Jumpers, and is based in Parker, Colorado.

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