Foot Roll

Why do this?

Unlocks and softens feet, ankles and calf muscles. Soft ankles can absorb the movement and shock of every stride without the rider's leg gripping the horse.

What it does for me:

Before I started doing the Foot Roll, my feet and ankles were stiff and hard as bricks. Now, instead of clutching my horse's side like a vice, my legs can elastically hug my horse's fur from top to bottom. And my ankles stay down below the stirrup irons absorbing my weight and the movement of my horse's stride.

This exercise requires a tennis ball, racquetball, golf ball - pick the ball size and texture you like.

While sitting barefooted and reading or watching TV or eating, etc., put a ball underneath your foot on the floor.
Rotate the ball in all directions.
Move the ball in all directions from your little toe to your big toe and back again, from you toes to your heel, across your arch, everywhere.
Move your ankle in all directions while rotating the ball.
Do this as often and as long as you like with each foot.
Make this a habit.