Balance Strap - idiot's guide please

[Ferdinase514]

Searched old posts but can only find description of home made ones!

Need idiot's guide to use whilst riding please

Thanks guys XX

 

[mrdarcy]

Here's a piccie. Loop a finger(s) through as when you feel the need for extra stability.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-BALANCE-STRAP-...VQQcmdZViewItem

 

[sherwood']

yea good idea- i have wondered that too. Also explanations as to why would you use it? Thanks!

 

[Ferdinase514]

Merci beaucoup.

Am planning to use to stop me "fiddling" with my hands

 

[Tierra]

You can use them as additional security on a particularly lively horse. It's a better option than grabbing a martingale, neck strep as it doesnt encourage you to lean forwards (which will make you more likely to fall off anyway).

They're also used to help riders with their hand position. It can stop people trying to drop their hands low and wide to drag their horses heads down and also helps with fiddly hands as it forces them to stay relatively still.

 

[kirstyfk]

I used to have that on my pony's saddle - I thought a balancing strap was some fancy design lol.

 

[MissDeMeena]

would it also help with sitting trot?

 

[sillygillyhorse]

Not tried one but apparently yes, cant begin to describe how, something to do with holding on, sitting deep and not having to worry about your balance I think?

 

[MissDeMeena]

and easier than holding onto the front of the saddle haha

 

[Ginn]

Would you recommend for starting a big full of life youngster or is it better to have your hands in a postion where you can adapt to the horses motion unconventionally?

 

[Weezy]

Bailer twine works just as well if you want to give it a go

 

[Madam_max]

lol. That's what I thought, although if your going to dressage with it on I suppose it looks smarter

 

[Ferdinase514]

Have added bailer twine - just wondering how people recommend holding it whilst holding the reins? Which finger do you loop through? (I did say IDIOT'S guide

)

 

[sillygillyhorse]

Not sure it is your finger/s you loop through, is it not your thumbs?

 

[Ferdinase514]

[ QUOTE ]
Not sure it is your finger/s you loop through, is it not your thumbs?

[/ QUOTE ]

But surely that would mean you have to turn hands sideways

 

[sillygillyhorse]

Hadnt thought of that, now confused and absolutely clueless - sorry

 

[KateStartin]

ive always just used a pelham rounding.

 

[Ferdinase514]

LOL! Me too.

Seems a simple concept - perhaps i'm over cooking it!

 

[Ferdinase514]

[ QUOTE ]
ive always just used a pelham rounding.

[/ QUOTE ]

How do you use/hold it?

 

[KateStartin]

I dont use one at the moment but i did when i had a big moving big bucking dressage diva! I'm now really trying to think how i held it! think i looped one finger under it when i needed extra security. If i remember right it was my first finger, of the outside hand.

 

[Weezy]

Yes you have to turn your hand inward, not a prob for me as thats my usual way of riding LOL!

 

[not_with_it]

You can hold it however you want to hold it, have a play and find whats most comfortable. I usually tuck my little finger into it.

Ginn-I would recommend using it on a youngster. Its in just the right place to grab hold if your in a tricky situation.

 

[Bananaman]

Yes, however you feel comfortable!

I think I put my first two fingers in, leaving my other two to steer, flex or whatever is needed at the time!

If I was on something having a hooley, I'd probably use as many fingers as nec to stay on!!!

 

[Dotilas]

I was watching an Ulla Salzberger (sp?) demo, and one of her pupils had one on her saddle. Ulla kept telling her to stick th thumb of her outside hand into it as she was moving it too much