One of the most common equitation pitfalls is the struggle to keep one’s heels down and grounded. This ability is integral to more than just a pretty picture; it reflects an effective leg and a secure seat. It also shows the interaction between a rider’s core stability and both tissue and joint extensibility at the pelvis and ankles.
Heel position can also be affected by interactions between other length-tension-stability relationships throughout the body due to adaptations from injury that require an in-depth assessment. Note that your nervous system (core stability and control) impacts dynamic tissue extensibility/flexibility, so a neurokinetic assessment by a trained therapist is useful to improve performance and dynamic stability/mobility.
The exercises below are geared towards increasing pelvic and ankle mobility and the core strength that allows us to effectively use that mobility, with the end goal of achieving an effective leg on your horse and a balanced and secure seat.