Ankle raises (on horse and off horse)

What It Does

Restores ankle function in a leg that has frozen to compensate for instability elsewhere. A working ankle reduces the need to grip through the knee and thigh. Must be done on horse as well as off horse to embed the transfer.

What to Feel

The lower leg moving through the ankle freely without engaging the knee or creating hip compensation. The ankle doing the absorbing rather than fixing a position.

Common Mistakes

• Raising too high and going onto the toes — the movement should be small.
• Doing the movement with a stiff ankle rather than through a full range.
• Only doing this off the horse without connecting it to what changes when riding.