Just when you thought it was safe.
My memory cells are insisting I've posted this before, and since I can't argue with myself very effectively, I'll just post it again. I'm trying to make a point, and it's really simple. If you've read Practical Horseman ragazine lately, you'll have seen an article by Jimmy Wofford, about studies done using jockeys and different leg-body positions. The horse's workload decreased with the shortening of the stirrups, as the speed increased. We knew this already, of course, as jockeys (both jump and flat) have stirrup lengths that dressage queens cower before. The best show jump jocks also ride with a stirrup that doesn't hinder the horse's ability to carry the rider comfortably and effectively.
The times have changed, very slowly and painfully. John Whitaker, one of Great Britain's greatest show-jump riders, and Milton's partner after Caroline Bradley's tragic death, had ridden with very long stirrups, until Milton was able to teach him to shorten them.
GoLightly was the horse that unlocked my doors about riding with shorter stirrups. Do you want the horse, or yourself to be the most comfortable, and which is the priority, in different riding disciplines? Is there a priority?
Do you notice anything about the above pictures?
There's a quiz, so be ready.
1 comment:
Just guessing here but I am seeing the classic "shoulders hips and heels line that I was trained to maitain. rgardless of stirrup lenth that line should (IMHO ) always be there for your best balance on a horse
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