Heels when jumping

I've started having trouble keeping my heels pushed down when I jump, and my riding instructor says I have to, so how do I do it? Normally I keep my heels down the whole time, both before and after the jump. But just while I'm in the air they go straight.

Answers from HayHay's experts

Where your foot sits can be affected by what is happening in the rest of your body. A common reason for losing the stirrup is gripping with the legs. Perhaps you tense up and grip just over the fence?

Try to work on your balance over the fence without gripping. Think about staying relaxed in the legs. One thought that can help is to think toe up rather than heel down 😊

Elise Lindman

Sports Psychologist