Anchor strap

[Highflinger]

Has anyone used one and if so are they any good?
Thanks

 

[blodwyn1]

I have a thin leather strap that I put through the d rings of the saddle leaving a big loop that I hold as if it's another rein. It has held me on during some sideways spooks!

 

[Antw23uk]

I not a fan, you stick your hand into your lap and any spooking/ leaping about puts me off balance. My trusty neck strap is weapon of choice

 

[The Trooper]

I don't have anything attached to the saddle, i learnt the hard way that they can move!

I do use a breastplate mainly for that reason (gives me something to grab), but i have also been known to grab the mane when needed.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I recently learned that another name for this is a monkey strap or monkey grab.

 

[Carlosmum]

I used an R-stor. Pony was quite a bucker and this gave me the opportunity to lean back in the saddle without fixing my hands at his neck.

 

[splashgirl45]

i used to link my fingers through the neck strap off a martingale, very comforting when nutty horse is flybucking and leaping sideways...

 

[Mrs G]

Yes, yes, very much yes! Mine has saved me countless times. I rave about it to any and all my horsey friends if they're having confidence issues and /or have a sharp or spooky horse. It's there whenever I need it, even if just to tuck a couple of fingers round if I'm feeling nervous but also has kept me literally anchored in the saddle when horse has full on bronked. One of the best bits of horsey kit I've ever bought.

 

[Rosiebelle]

yes I have one really helped with my confidence. And abled me to ride my boy through some spooks. Wouldn't be without mine now.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I use a RStor as DP still can't coordinate all 4 feet if he isn't concentrating. It's saved me going over his head several times when he has stumbled.

 

[Griffin]

I use an R-stor for hacking. You could make a DIY one yourself far cheaper. I do like it though, it gives a bit of security if you have a spooky. I never remember to grab neck straps!

 

[Otherwise]

My dressage trainer has a grab strap on every saddle, competes at a high level with one so I started doing the same. Haven't really needed it but it's reassuring it's there if I need it. If I'm riding anything young or jumping I'll add a neck strap as well, means I always have something within easy reach.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I have one because E can forget which order his feet go in downhill. I hold the handle so I don't accidentally sock him in the mouth if he trips and his head goes forward.

It's absolutely essential for dismounting a Suffolk. It's a long way to drop so holding the handle means I don't have to take that extra step back on landing (reins wouldn't reach)

 

[On the Hoof]

I find that anchor straps and neck straps are in the wrong place for my hands , but breast plate is perfect - I needed breast plate with last saddle but not with current one but keep using it anyway as it’s very handy when hacking out as pony is a bit spoooky.

 

[blodwyn1]

Well my strap saved me today when a pheasant flew out of the hedge and my 4 yr old took off ! Without the strap I would have come off backwards as it took both of us by surprise!

 

[peanut]

I have a grab strap on both saddles and have found them a lifesaver. It took a while to train myself, but my automatic reaction is now to grab it.

My horse is sensitive in the mouth so I'd rather grab the strap first and the reins second if necessary.