Holding the reins in one hand when doing Western riding is less complicated than English riding, but it still requires correct form. This means that one hand is usually kept free to do ranch work or use a lasso. However, Western riding was born as a working or trail riding discipline. We always have the image of Western riders or cowboys riding into the sunset with one hand up in the air like the Man from Snowy River. The difference is that both right and left reins loop to either side to make a double set of reins through the rider’s hand. This is known as a single bridge.Ī double bridge uses the same principle while horseback riding. When necessary, the rider can brace one hand onto the horse’s neck for stability. Then, hold both reins in that hand, while still having the original hand in place.īe sure to hold the reins in the thumbs-up position. Holding your single reins as you would snaffle reins, loop one side of the reins from one hand to the other hand. This riding style is mainly seen in the racing world, but it is also helpful for holding reins when your horse becomes strong in the hand as it stops them from pulling. This method of riding is mostly for upper-level horses or during schooling when the horse is asked for specific movements. Using wrist movements and opening and closing the fingers, you can then give and take contact with the horse’s mouth. When riding with draw reins and snaffle reins, you would use a similar manner. Finally, lock both reins in place with the thumbs on each hand. Next, pick up the curb rein by passing it between the little and ring fingers, also exiting the hand over the index finger. The basic method is to hold the snaffle rein so it passes between the ring and middle fingers, looping over to exit the hand over the index finger. Likewise, the left rein controls the left side of the horse and the right rein will control the right side. The right rein will control the right side of both the snaffle and curb bits, while the left rein will control the left side of these bits. A double rein can also be used on a curbed or ported bit, which has two placements for the reins. It involves having the horse in a double bridle, usually with a snaffle bit and a curbed bit fitted simultaneously. Riding with two sets of reins is no easy feat. Initially, this means feeding the reins through your fingers to shorten or lengthen the reins, thereby giving or taking up contact with the horse’s mouth. This can only be achieved when you hold your hands in the classical position with your elbows at your hips, your forearms naturally lowered to form a straight line to the horse’s mouth.īeginner riders should practice walking their hands up and down the reins without taking their hands off the reins. The hardest part of riding with one set of reins is remembering that your thumbs should be at the top. Repeat this with the other rein and your other hand. You would hold the reins in the same manner as described above, with the reins passing between the little finger and the ring finger and sliding over the index finger. In English riding, you should ride with both hands on the reins at the same time. A Guide To Holding Your Horses Reins Properly English Riders Learning how to hold horse reins correctly, whether you ride Western or English, is something many beginners (and even riders who have been riding for years) struggle with. Holding onto your horse’s reins while horseback riding in any way you find comfortable and yelling “yee-haw” is not the way to go.Ĭorrectly holding your reins will influence how your horse moves, ensure your safety and prevent your horse from becoming unruly.
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