[From the November 2011 Sho Times: Stacey Brown is a contributing writer to the Sho Clothes Sho News monthly newsletter]
You probably don’t remember the first time you were told to keep your heels down in the stirrups. It is an accepted fact that when the heel is down, the foot in a safer position, to prevent slipping forward and through the stirrup. We can all envision what injury might result from that. But in dressage, the heels down position, is valued for another reason. It’s true that it represents a more elegant posture, in keeping with the dignity of the sport. But what is the biomechanical significance of keeping the heels down? Why is it so difficult to achieve? What factors can be evaluated and addressed to make the rider more successful?
The most obvious factor in keeping the heels down, is calf muscle tightness or shortening. Many riders diligently stretch their gastrocnemius/soleus muscle group (the calf), only to find the heel stubbornly refuses to descend, once they are in the saddle, and particularly when the horse starts moving. Is it because the muscles tighten up again that quickly? Test that theory by getting off the horse and stretching again. Generally this is not the problem.
So what else could it be? The answer lies once again in the ability of the rider to sit in a neutral pelvic posture, using the core muscles of the trunk, to stabilize the spine efficiently, while absorbing the forces generated by the moving horse. (If you read this column regularly, you may be noticing a common theme here.)
Instead of saying “keep the heels down” more likely we should back up and evaluate whether the rider is truly sitting evenly, and deep in the saddle, with the ability to move the pelvis on the spine, without excessive activity of the large movement muscles of the leg. If the rider has the ability to activate the core muscles to stabilize the spine, and at the same time disassociate the muscles of the leg, the leg will lengthen along the horses’ barrel, and the heel will naturally move downward in relation to the toe. Sounds simple. Why is it so difficult to do?
Tension in the gastroc/soleus group is not the only force that pushes the toe down and therefore the heel up in relation to it. The peroneus longus muscle also pushes the toe down and can lift the lateral border of the foot out. The peroneus longus, also called the fibularis, is located on the outside of the lower leg and runs from the head of the fibula to the underside of the foot. It is connected by fascia to other muscles involved in “functional kinetic chains” that produce predictable movement patterns. These movement synergies develop when we are learning to move, and become ingrained so that we don’t waste time and energy thinking about moving when we need to be thinking about other things. The problem is, once we over learn them and they are relegated to the lower nervous system, in order to re-learn, we have to involve the higher nervous system, the cognitive brain. In other words, once we start a familiar movement, the body goes on automatic pilot. If we are not aware of what we need to change, and do not put direct energy into changing it, the movement will remain the same. Some of these movements are very complicated, involving many muscle/fascial connections. This is where the answer lies. This is how the position of the pelvis relates to the position of the foot.
The adductor magnus muscle, (which is often over used in riders, for balance when the core is not active or the spine segments are not moving correctly),connects the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis(sit bone) to the femur and the short head of the bicep(part of the hamstring). From there, the hamstring connects to the peroneus longus at the head of the fibula on the outside of the leg. The peroneus longus then connects to the outside of the foot, goes under the sole of the foot and under the arch. When this muscle/fascial “chain” becomes activated, as in riding a horse in the seated position, the thigh is moved inward, the pelvis drops back, and the knee flexes, while the toe is pushed downward and sometimes pulled out to the side.
If you are able to follow this sequence, which is admittedly complicated, you may be able to either recall seeing this phenomenon with other riders, or immediately identify the “feeling” yourself. Even with conscious effort, this pattern is difficult to overcome. With long term overuse of the adductor magnus, changes in the muscle and fascia along this chain occur, and shortening and fibrosity develop. It may be necessary to release restrictions mechanically, and neurologically, before new learning is effective. In some instances hip range of motion is so compromised that joint mobilization needs to occur as well.
There may be factors of saddle fit, and boot issues contributing to the problem as well. Another column.
The ability to keep the heels down in dressage is coveted because it demonstrates correct position of he spine and pelvis, good use of the core, and the ability to disassociate the legs for more accurate use of aids. It requires a deep seat, lengthened leg, and sophisticated, overlearned motor patterning. And yes it is very hard. That’s why we like it.
If you would like to schedule treatment, have questions, or suggestions for future informational columns, please contact Stacey at: info@animalrehabinstitute.com or (971) 226-0010 mobile. You will find directions to her clinic on the web site www.AnimalRehabInstitute.com.
Stacey Brown PT CERT received her degree in physical therapy from Pacific University and is a native of Portland Oregon, where she practiced human physical therapy for 30 years, and equine rehabilitation for 7 years. She has a strong background in both neurologic and orthopedic treatment, and combines her experience in a unique and effective approach. Stacey now practices in the Wellington, FL area, and specializes in the assessment and treatment of equestrian athletes. She is an athlete, rides herself, and has a life long interest in nutrition and wellness. Through movement analysis and physical evaluation, Stacey designs individual treatment programs to enhance performance, as well as treat injuries. She is skilled in muscle balancing techniques, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and uses a cold laser to speed healing and enhance nuero-motor retraining. She is also certified in equine rehabilitation, and uses her skills to improve the performance of horse and rider pairs.
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