What you gain by supporting your knees and calves: ✅ A supple ankle: The heel drops down through natural weight, not force. The ankle begins to act like a spring that absorbs the horse’s movement. ✅ A quiet leg: A relaxed knee allows your leg to "wrap around" the horse. Your lower leg stops bouncing uncontrollably, making your aids precise. ✅ Better balance: Stable support in the stirrup gives you security in critical situations and relieves your hips and lower back.