it is very nicely padded now. The only thing is, when I
> used to go on long rides my knees would hurt hanging down like that,
> but I guess my knees end up hurting when I ride with a saddle and
> stirrups too, I guess my knees are just messed up.
>
> Kim
Hi Kim:
I am a veteran of bad knees. A few years ago I was a total cripple with one
knee having gone without a meniscus for 38 years and the other one with a
totally messed up from a fall from a cantering horse (torn menisci, multiple
small fractures) and I was unable to walk without crutches. The only way I
was able to get from point A to point B was on a horse. I had learned early
on to simply not use my knees when riding.
This may fly in the face of proper riding, but if your knees hurt or hurt
while or after riding, you simply have to learn to totally inactivate them
when riding. You start by riding with the stirrups as long as possible.
Then you learn to just leave them hanging totally relaxed. You can practice
being in complete balance without using your knees. I went on many long
rides with my knees a total mess and never hurt. The only hurdle was getting
on the horse but once I was on I was fine. Try it.
Anneliese
