My work with students often includes some time without stirrups. As they start at the walk I may say, "Drop your stirrups, show me your two-point position down the long side for as long as you can hold it then sink back into a full seat and pick up your stirrups without looking."
The key to good work without stirrups is to try to maintain your leg in the same position as when you are riding with stirrups. This work also develops muscle memory and reminds you to keep a connection through your whole leg. If the work without stirrups is going to be more than just a couple of minutes.,
To begin work without stirrups, stretch your leg down while your horse is standing still and point your toe at the ground while you feel your crotch and your seatbones connecting with the saddle. Wrap your whole leg around your horse, then position your leg by first lifting your toe up until your ankle is angled as if your toe were in the stirrup. Next, draw your knee up without pinching so that your whole leg stays connected.
Rising Trot
When rising without stirrups, keep your leg in position and let your horse's movement push you out of the saddle, then use your leg to push yourself a little more. This will involve a lot of your thigh muscle because you need to close your hip angle somewhat and post "toward the horse's ears" as the old horsemen say--and you also need the control to avoid bouncing back down into the saddle too soon.
When working without stirrups, build up the time gradually. It's a matter of pushing yourself, but not pushing so hard that you end up balancing on the reins. If you push too hard you may also end up working the incorrect muscles.
Signs that you need to take a break: You find yourself grabbing your horse in the mouth to keep your balance, you have trouble controlling your posting or you have difficulty keeping your seat secure and feel as if you might slip off. Stop for the day and try a few more minutes without stirrups tomorrow.
Thanks Chrissie
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