Riding Against The Grain

The honest truth about no-stirrup work—why we do it, why it hurts, and how to recover when your legs are screaming.

Let’s be honest: no-stirrup work hurts. Not just your thighs, but your pride, your posture, your sense of self-preservation. And yet—I keep doing it. Not out of masochism, but because the payoff is real.

Why No-Stirrup Work Matters

Independent seat – You can’t fake balance without stirrups. This work teaches you to ride from your core and thighs, not your ankles. Leg strength and stamina – Say hello to toned inner thighs, engaged glutes, and a rock-solid base of support. Quiet hands, clearer aids – With more stability through your body, your hands can soften, and your horse will thank you. Mental toughness – You will want to quit halfway through. And every time you don’t, you build mental grit in and out of the saddle.

Okay… But How Do You Recover?

1. Post-Ride Stretching (Don’t Skip This)

After no-stirrup work, your hip flexors, inner thighs, and lower back need serious attention. Try these:

Deep Lunge Stretch – Step one foot forward into a lunge, drop the back knee, and tuck your pelvis slightly to feel the stretch in your hip flexors. Hold for 30–60 seconds per side.

Butterfly Stretch – Sit with the soles of your feet together and gently press your knees toward the ground. Breathe into the stretch.

Seated Figure Four – Sit on a bench, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and hinge forward. Targets the glutes and outer hips.

Standing Quad Stretch – Classic, but effective for front-of-thigh tension after posting without stirrups.

2. Hip-Opening Exercises Outside the Saddle

No-stirrup work can tighten your hips like crazy. These help create openness and flexibility:

90/90 Hip Rotations – Sit on the floor with both knees bent at 90 degrees, then rotate to switch sides. Great for improving mobility.

Pigeon Pose (Modified or on the Ground) – Deep glute and hip stretch. Hold for 60+ seconds and breathe.

Frog Pose – Deep inner thigh release—ideal after a grippy lesson. Use padding under your knees and stay for a minute or two.

Hip CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations) – Gentle circles to strengthen the joint capsule and increase range of motion.

3. Foam Rolling & Recovery Tools

Foam roll your quads, adductors, and TFL/outer hips slowly. Use a massage gun or lacrosse ball for glute trigger points. Epsom salt baths, Arnica gel, and staying hydrated also go a long way.

Final Thoughts: Do It Anyway

No-stirrup work hurts. But it also makes you stronger, smoother, and more connected to your horse. You can’t ride from your seat if you’re clinging with your ankles. And you can’t improve your balance if your stirrups are doing half the work.

So yes—drop your irons. Grit your teeth. Laugh at yourself. Stretch after. And keep showing up.

Your body might hate you in the moment, but your riding will thank you for it.