Bridging the reins

I always understood it to be when you cross the reins in front of you and then hold them in one hand at the cross over point. the reins effectively making a 'bridge' over your horse's wither. It's a very safe way of riding one-handed (as I think you should in most circumstances when hacking) especially with a strong or impulsive horse.

Anyway, lots of people will tell you if I've got it wrong.
 
Jockeys do this alot. You basically cross the reins over the neck and hold them in both hands so you can push the reins down on the neck while not affecting the horses mouth. Its quite good for horses who lean as they then effectivly lean on themselves
 
Thanx for that ive been told to bridge the reins when my horse gets strong - one of those situations when u feel u should know how to do it without asking lol:)
 
Mine use to pull a lot and lean on my hands so I would bridge it just makes it more comfortable to hold the reins steady. You cross them at hand held area (and double the two up) and hold just the same as you usually do. It is very good if they are always leaning downwards.
 
Yep :) Its quite impotrant to bridge your reins with my Jack, you never quite know which way he is going next :o you have to be careful that you don't get in to a vicious cycle of pulling/leaning though, and it makes it harder to give and take the reins..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top