Arm/hand position

[RubysGold]

Why is it that alot of people have their hands too low when they ride?
I'm not criticising, I think I do it too.
But is there a reason that you think makes people straighten their elbows/have their hands so low.

 

[tinkandlily]

Probably down to habbit, if there is no one to tell to keep your hands up, you hold them in the postition you think is right or more comfortable.

 

[eva]

I think instintively people think that it would help the horse hold its head lower?

I do it too and hate myself for that!

 

[Letslip]

I tend to ride low when I am schooling young horses to help them out and find the contact as they work and stretch and gradually over time begin to raise my hands into a more 'correct' position as the horse progresses.

 

[intouch]

It's the straight elbows that are the problem, unless you have a reason straightening your elbows reduces the flexibility in your arms and puts your wrists in the wrong position. Your choice.

 

[Pony_Puzz]

My arms are too short to bend them without having my hands up around my chest!

That a good reason? Tend to have a tiny bend though, if poss!

 

[intouch]

My arms are too short to bend them without having my hands up around my chest!

So long as your upper arm is in a good position and you don't have your elbow stuck out in front of you, that's fine!

 

[blitznbobs]

People think that it makes the horse make a better shape. It doesn't but they think it does... burying your hands just gives the horse something to fight against... I have the opposite problem, as a rule I carry my hands too high but this is because I have short arms and ride a 17.2 -- just need longer upper arms

 

[YorksG]

Don't know why people ride with low hands, but the best tip I was ever given was 'hold your hands as if you are carrying 2 coffee cups'. provided I remeber it it works a treat