Learning to hold the reins properly is crucial for any rider, as it provides a direct means of communication with your horse. Keep in mind that the reins connect to a sensitive area of the horse’s body – the mouth – so it’s essential to handle them with care.
Picking Up the Reins
Once you’re comfortably seated in the saddle, the next step is to pick up the reins, which are held one in each hand. To do this correctly, ensure the reins run through your hands from underneath, held between your thumbs and forefingers, with the thumbs positioned on top. This technique creates a secure grip on the reins without restricting your horse’s forward movement.
Using Your Little Fingers for Control
The little finger on each hand plays a significant role in feeling, controlling, and guiding the reins. By using these fingers for subtle adjustments, you’ll be able to maintain better control and harmony with your horse.
Positioning Your Hands
It’s important to keep your hands slightly apart and positioned just above the horse’s withers, or the ridge between its shoulder blades. This will allow for easy control, while providing a comfortable and balanced hold for both you and your horse.
Adapting to Your Horse’s Movements
The way a rider holds the reins greatly influences the comfort and control of the horse. It’s not just about grip and positioning; it’s also about allowing a certain degree of flexibility to align with the horse’s movements.
Maintaining Flexibility
It’s vital not to lock your hands in a fixed position, as it might hinder the horse’s natural forward movement. This doesn’t mean that you let the horse pace freely at its will. The goal here isn’t to create a resistance against the horse’s mouth through the reins but to guide and control the horse.
Avoid Using Reins as ‘Lifelines’
Reins serve as a means of communication with your horse, not ‘lifelines’ for maintaining your balance or holding on. Understanding this can make a significant difference in how you guide your horse, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.
Matching with the Horse’s Head Movements
It’s notable that a horse’s head moves slightly up and down when it walks. Your hands should adjust correspondingly with this motion. During a trot, as the horse’s head is positioned a little higher, your hands should remain more constant. Even then, avoid pulling or causing resistance against the horse’s mouth. It’s about practicing nuance in control, ensuring you and your horse share a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Developing Balance While Riding
When learning to ride a horse, one of the most critical aspects to master is balance. It’s essential to find a comfortable and secure position on the saddle, while still maintaining an upright posture, especially for beginners.
Holding the Pommel
In early riding lessons, many riders might find it helpful to hold on to the pommel—a knob at the front of the saddle— to steady themselves while working on their balance. This temporary aid can provide some additional support and confidence as you become more comfortable on the horse.
Other Methods and Their Drawbacks
Some instructors might suggest using a neck strap to aid in balance for beginners. However, this method has its downsides, as it can encourage a forward tilt in the rider’s body. This leaning can lead to an unbalanced posture and ultimately affect the connection and control with the horse. It’s crucial to explore other techniques and adopt a more upright riding posture for the best riding experience.
Mastering Western-Style Reins
Getting a grip on the reins is more than just grabbing hold. Especially, when it comes to the Western style of riding, which has its unique nuances.
Holding With the Left Hand
Common practice in Western riding typically involves holding reins in the left hand, leaving the right hand free. So if you’re right-handed or left-handed, learning this may call for a little patience and practice. You place your right hand on your thigh, providing balance without engaging the reins.
Finger Separation
An important detail of the Western style is that the reins are separated by one of your fingers. This setup helps create a more precise control and favours clear communication with your horse.
Higher Positioning
Another design feature of Western riding is the elevated positioning of the reins compared to English riding style. The reins are held higher to avoid entanglement with the saddle horn – a common fixture in Western saddles. This stance can also lead to better visibility and directional control.
Remember, the key to developing good rein handling is practice. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll find your communication with your horse becoming clearer and more nuanced.
