Definitely the one thing my body wants to do is lean forward and use my toes to balance. Any tips on how to fight those natural reactions? I feel I'm constantly thinking heels down heels down, but the second I stop, my feet go right back to the toes.
Make sure your leg is in the right position, if it is too far back it may be forcing you forward and making you balance on your toes instead of having weight in the heels. Keep your leg at or just behind the girth, and sit almost as though the pockets of your pants would be in the saddle. Keep your shoulders back and be sure your stirrups are the correct length. Having stirrups that are too long can make you want to put more weight on your toes. Also make sure you have your stirrup at the ball of your foot, usually there is a line near the toe of the boot that you can use to help. If all of this is correct, make sure to stretch before riding, which is very important in order to get a soft lower leg and ankle. Oh and instead of trying to force the weight into your heels, which can cause stiffness, try to think about just absorbing the movement of the horse with your heels. Or instead of thinking "I must keep my heels down ahhh" just think "toes up"! You could ask your trainer for advice too .. Hope I helped at least a little! Keep practicing and good luck!
Don't shove your heels down. Flex your calves.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Flexing your calf muscles will not only keep your heels down, but it will increase your leg contact with the horse.
And to help with not leaning forward, think about tucking your tailbone underneath yourself.
Ride bareback until you learn proper position:>
