Holding the reigns?

Question

my old instructor taught me to hold the reigns maybe 6 inches from my body, (approx.) which felt right, and was comfortable. My new one, said shorten them, (there is no give and she still says shorten them) and hold them out way away from me, i have a painful back and this feels awful! the horse also pulls its head down, almost pulling me with it! it also feels weird! which way is right? This is english by the way, just starting to canter, ground, trotting poles, (short reignes needed) and some crossrails (again short reigns needed) but while trotting?

Answer 1

Both are right. When you start riding you always have longer reins because its easier and you don't need a lot of control in just basic walk and trot. Now you are doing canter and poles, you will need to be more in control. I think your old instructor would have told you to shorten up your reins at this point too, and its just a coincidence that it is a different teacher.

If your horse pulls its head down it is important that you hold your reins tight and dont let it, if it is making you off balance, and again you will need short reins to do this.

If it is hurting your back then it sounds like you are changing your position when you shorten your reins. I know it is hard but you will have to learn how to shorten them and sit back, so make sure your horses head it up, and not stretched down, because then you can have your reins shorter without reaching forward. It might feel bad now but you will get used to it.

Answer 2

Whatever is most comfortable for you.

That my main tip really. All instructors are different, hold them the way you feel comfotable and if they don't like that dismount the horse and walk off.

Answer 3

reins should be held in front of you so that your elbows are at your sides..  if someone was looking at you from the side they should see a straight line from the horse's mouth to your hands.  i was taught to shorten my reins by turning my wrists towards my body, that way the reins are more flexible in use.

also a good idea would be to check out the pony club books or bhs books depending on your age.

happy riding.

Answer 4

You old instucter taught you right.

Some people pull the reigns back because they think its more attractive.

But it hurts the horse, gives them less trust while riding along with lower confidence, and is hard on the rider.

Tell her you wish to keep the reigns the way you were riding. Six inches a way, that its more comfortable for you, and easer for the horse.

Having the reigns shortened is not needed at all. Not over trotting poles, while cantering, crossrails. none of that.

Answer 5

It's spelled reins... lol. Just go with what the new instructor says - as you gain knowledge your riding strategies will change. I think your old instructor was right about how to hold your reins, but he/she's gone now. Talk to your new trainer about how you hold them. All you have to do is say "this way doesn't feel right. Can I hold my reins a little farther?"

Answer 6

Your old instructor was right you need to keep your elbows at your side and you need to keep a little slack in your reign. If you are riding hunter/jumper then yea its different but just do what is comfortable for you and your horse.

Answer 7

the first way is better and there is things you can by on ebay the are colored rains i have them if you get the colerd rains then you no if you rains are the same length on both sides like the colors just tells you if your rains are lined up or not i use them for to know were i am aspose to hold on i have a horse named assendent

Answer 8

I LOVE it when somebody spells "reins", REIGNS.  :::Chuckle:::   I knew a horsetrainer who had it misspelled on his sign in El Monte, CA and my buddy, Marianne wanted to know what sort of rulers he turned out when he trained...

Anyway, you're learning how to go over ground poles, etc so you should have a shorter hold on the reins now.  Try doing some two point and with shortened reins, hang on to your horse's neck as you're up and over the horse's withers at a walk.  That should help with your back because you're getting your weight off your back and onto your hands resting one your horse's neck.

Answer 9

Go with your old instructor's way

Answer 10

If you can speak to someone, your parents or the instructor about how you feel.  You might be better off with back trouble finding something else hobbie wise that is more comfortable.

Answer 11

your elbows should be slightly bent and at your sides (how i was taught) and you should have contact with, but not be pulling on your horse's mouth

EDIT: i've been taught to hold them about two inches above the withers

Answer 12

new and good luck

Answer 13

Your old instuctor was right. You need to keep your elbows bent at your sides and you need a little bit of loose rein (<- thats how you spell it. Sry, I just can't resist correcting ppl). The only time you shorten your rein is when you trot (posting and sitting), cantering galloping, and when your jumping.

I hope I helped you, good luck!