bridging reins

[xXxTraversxXx]

I read somewhere that its really good for helping riders to ride softly with their hands. Just wondering if anyone else has tried it and what do you make of it? It seems to have worked wonders for me so far but then I've only schooled doing it twice so who knows

. I heard Carl Hester uses/teaches it and one of his pupils liked it so much they ride like that all the time

.
Just wondered about opinions really from you knowledgable lot!

 

[Shilasdair]

Take more than that to stop me sawing at my horse's gob.
S

 

[xXxTraversxXx]

PMSL!

 

[only_me]

we are told once a month to ride the reins in the opposite hands ie left hand controls right side! its amazing how much we actually use our hands - i started to realise how heavy my hands were and have subsently riden much more lighter and stiller! try it!!!

 

[JustKickOn]

I bridge my reins when doing XC canter work in the school, when we go galloping, when jumping and riding JJ (When riding JJ because the way he takes off unseats VERY easily!)

 

[Stella]

What an interesting idea, did you hear any more detail about the beneficial effects? I think I may try it.

I also had a lesson where I was aked to work with the reins in the 'opposite' hands - it was an interesting learning experience.

 

[samp]

I only bridge my reins if the horse is getting too strong, or is on the forehand and heavy in my hands. It gets them to work from behind if you have an active pace

 

[Grey_Arab]

I don't tend to bridge my reins in the school, more out hacking, as my boy tends to throw his head around when he is getting excited with fast work, it helps to keep my hands still so I don't jab his mouth so much!

 

[Parkranger]

don't think I'd school or jump with bridge reins - isn't it supposed to have a blocking effect? hence the reasons jockeys ride like that.....I only use it when Ty's going a bit crazy and throwing his head around.

 

[Aleka81]

Not in the school. When exercising the pointers and fast work on mine then yes all the time.

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

I use a half bridge when cantering Arch, but would always have a full bridge when cantering or galloping the race horses.

 

[Stella]

What is a half bridge?

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

[ QUOTE ]
What is a half bridge?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha, I thought some one might ask!

Well, its not very easy to explaine, but its when instead of taking both reins over you only take one into the other hand!

Does that make any sense at all??

 

[Stella]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What is a half bridge?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha, I thought some one might ask!

Well, its not very easy to explaine, but its when instead of taking both reins over you only take one into the other hand!

Does that make any sense at all??

[/ QUOTE ] Yes it does. Would you tend to bridge the outside rein?

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

I do.

 

[xXxTraversxXx]

Does it have a blocking effect? I thought that it was supposed to make you lighter in the hand - not put the handbrake on!! Although I have to say, having the reins in opposite hands sounds very interesting, I think I might try that. Does anyone know of any other methods of getting the rider lighter in the hand??