The theory behind equitation is that the ideal riding position is the most effective one. Therefore small lapses in position indicate deeper flaws.
Instructor and I finally sat down to critique my photos from the last show [photo location given in Report]. In all of them, my left stirrup is too close to the toe and at an angle, instead of being solidly across the ball of my foot. No big deal. The foot position and rest of the leg was fine. However, it was the type of small detail that might knock me down a place at the National Finals.
At the lesson that day, I spared a thought for what was going on down at the end of my left leg. I realized that I was reaching for the stirrup ever so slightly with my foot. This probably means that I am ever so slightly contracted along the left side and that my weight is ever so slightly off center to the right.
Virtual Brush Box 