Correct way of holding double reins?

[sfward]

Ok I've ridden in double reins quite a lot (go XC in gag with 2 reins, also used double bridle, draw reins etc in the past) and I was always taught to hold the snaffle reins as normal with the curb reins on the outside around the little finger (I think.. just mentally holding reins here..!)

However I've seen lots of pictures of people riding in double reins recently with the two reins almost crossed over so the curb/bottom rein is on the inside. Is one way more correct or is it just personal preference?
opinions please?

 

[dianchi]

Crossed over with the curb rein above the snaffle

 

[Lill]

I don't really know? Although i've always held them the second way you describe, crossed over and first two fingers holding the second rein?

 

[Queenbee]

[ QUOTE ]
I was always taught to hold the snaffle reins as normal with the curb reins on the outside around the little finger (

[/ QUOTE ]

I was always taught that too

 

[sfward]

yeah interesting, i always was more comfortable with the curb at the outside/bottom as easier to just use it as and when. Just doing some digging for anyone interested found this quote

"The reins should be held in such a way that the snaffle is in a comfortable place in the hand for primary use. There are myriad different ways of holding the reins of the double bridle. The most widely recommended is to hold the snaffle rein between the third and little finger, and the curb outside the little finger. This way the snaffle rein is held above the curb, the latter able to be held looser and used very little. Other option are holding the snaffle rein between the second and third finger and the curb between the third and little finger. In an educated rider's hands, it makes little difference which rein is held where, as they should be able to be gentle and vary the contact as necessary on both reins."

So sounds like it doesn't matter, answered my own question!!

 

[lexiedhb]

Yep i was taught the way with the curb rein round your little finger.... by Stephen clarke!

 

[Pidge]

interesting replies as I was always taught that the snaffle in same as normal and the curb between the 2nd and 3rd finger so the reins cross over.

 

[sfward]

would seem it's personal preference.. i can't hold them like that feels wrong somehow lol!
how did your event go pidge? saw your piccie - looked great!

 

[Pidge]

thanks, he was flying at that stage and at 17hh he makes all the the fences look small!
Walked over the first four fences

then through the water and then started to jump them, bar the pheasant feeder where he stood on top of it

mum was having a crisis of confidence! However when we got overtook I couldn't hold him so definately let the handbrake off and he was fab

So can't decide whether to have another go at Eland Lodge on the 7th Oct or go to local RC as the dates clash

Got another mini HT on the 8th and am hoping to actually jump all of them this time round. But I achieved what I wanted to and that was to do all the fences and get round in one piece - it was our first HT after all

 

[sfward]

sounds like he might have the energy to both in one day lol!
that's great well done

 

[happihorse]

Snaffle rein from mouth under little finger and curb between little finger and wedding ring finger so when you soften them you pull more on the snaffle rein. I also seperate the 'spare' rein between my pointing fingerso you have curb below and snaffle on top as it makes it easier to shorten one rein without pulling the other.

 

[Pidge]

he would I wouldn't

I forget to breathe when I concentrate hard or compete