My Heels Pop Up. So What's The Big Deal? (2008)

Something I wrote back in 2008...

"Heels Down." I say it in every lesson, with every rider. I even say it to myself some rides. People often wonder why having your heels down is so important. Why do I get after these riders about their heels so much? Their heels are up, so what?

The ideal riding position is sitting with your ear, shoulder, hip and heel in a perfect vertical line. The stirrup should be placed at the ball of your foot just behind the little toe at the 5th metartarsal phyalgial joint. You should feel a slight pressure at your ankle with your heel down, you should not feel pain. Forcing your heel down at a severe angle, or letting it float up with most of your weight on the ball of your foot or your toe will throw off your riding position, your center of balance, and effect your general riding ability. Letting your weight fall down into your heels allows you to stay relaxed and lets your leg sit against your horse more comfortably, effectively and securely.

Also consider the fact that allowing your toe to point down, sets your foot in the perfect position to slip through the stirrup. When the foot slips through the stirrup, a rider will lose their balance and could possibly fall. Now, if you are not using safety stirrups your foot could become stuck and if you were to fall, you risk being dragged.

I would also like to point out that it is also now an FEI rule that competing rider must have their heels down.

Having your heels down is more than just looking pretty, it is a safety issue. Having your heels down helps set a proper riding position and is the foundation of what keeps you on!

Inexperienced riders often have difficulty keeping their heels down while riding because this is not a movement that occurs naturally in other activities. BUT it is something you can practice at home on a 2 inch board, standing with your legs apart and knees slightly bent as if you are riding. This helps train your muscles and tendons for proper riding and keeping heels down. Give it a try in between lessons!