Best way to hold 2 reins

[Crazy_cat_lady]

Having been told a couple of different ways to hold these which is the "best/ correct" way.

Haven't ridden with 2 for a while so just wondering which is correct way?

 

[BlizzardBudd]

I have been told so many different ways by people too.. But I ride with the curb between 4 and 5 and snaffle rein between 3 nd 4
Well at least I think that's how I do it.. but I find it works for me
But some people on the yard just have the curb loose and ride with both reins together in the same fingers

 

[nikicb]

I've always ridden with the snaffle rein in the normal place (between ring and little fingers) and the curb rein under the little finger. I know it's probably wrong but I find I can then just tweak the curb rein when I need to rather than being too hard with it. As I say, this is probably not the CORRECT way of doing it, just the way I feel comfortable.

 

[Alyth]

LOL I am probably "old fashioned" but was taught the opposite of nikicb!! The "military" way was the snaffle outside the little finger and the curb betweent the little and ring fingers. The argument being that a simply twist of the hand affected the snaffle rein without affecting the curb rein. The "civilian" method was the opposite, (like nikicb!) with the snaffle rein between the little and ring fingers and the curb rein on the outside of the little finger. But then a twist affects the curb rein, not the snaffle rein.....take your pick!!! But you need to think about how hand movements affect the reins and the bit(s) in the mouth....

 

[lauradean]

Snaffle rein between ring finger and little finger, curb rein between first and second finger is a great way to hold the reins if you are just getting used to two bits, or if you have small hands.

With that bit more separation, you can much better control when you are using the curb.

 

[unbalanced]

Go to the sustainable dressage website where it talks about bits and bridles here:
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/bridle.php#kandar

Click on lever action (under double bridle on the contents) and it will give you a list of different holds, diagrams, famous riders who use it and pros and cons for each one.

 

[Kat]

Normally I do snaffle rein in the normal place between ring and little finger with curb between middle and ring finger but I have put the curb between index and middle finger when riding a horse that was a bit sensitive to the curb.