Can anyone explain the technique feathering to me?

[Wiz201]

I was riding Del Boy yesterday and he didn't exactly tank off but he was getting a little excited going up this long track, partly because my riding partner's pony was getting a bit excited and my share horse always does get a bit excited in company if one tries to overtake him. She mentioned feathering the reins, but I wasn't sure whether I was getting the technique right or not.
I ride him in a pelham on hacks with a fairly loose curb chain and roundings. He eventually calmed down and just walked when I did a give and take with the reins and I gave the command walk in a slow voice.

 

[WelshRuby]

Hi Wis, feathering is the gentle "squeezing" of the reins, so you almost had it right!

 

[Wiz201]

Nice to get a reply! Its three weeks since I've posted and no one had an answer?

 

[Tnavas]

Feathering the reins to me is stroking the rein so that there is an action at the mouth end that is not as defined as actually using the rein.

You run your hand along the rein, with a gentle sqeezing action.