Does anyone use a balance strap?

[Blizzard]

Ive seen these advertised and was wondering if anyone uses them?

Im teaching my OH to ride and at the mo he is using the neck strap from the breastplate to steady himself, but of course this is not ideal as it encourages him to lean forward and put his hands in the wrong position.

 

[lillie07]

Yep I have one and use it when neccessary- until recently it was premanantly attached to the front of my saddle. If you dont want to buy one just use a flash strap!

 

[Blizzard]

ooh thanks never thought of that!

do you find they help you pull yourself into the saddle?

 

[lillie07]

Yes definately, and it doesnt tip you forward so you get the best of both worlds. If I ride anything sharp I tend to hook my thumb in it or if I am on something I find it difficult to sit to I do too. It also helps keep a nice steady contact through your outside rein! I think they are much better for beginners than neck straps.

 

[HBII]

Yes I have put an old flash onto the Drings of my saddle. Fantastic thing, really good to stop me fiddling with the horse in canter makes me use my seat aids more and also to get me to steer more through me legs!

Couldnt recommend highly enough. [you could use bailing twine?]

Hb

 

[Blizzard]

Thanks we will give it a try!

 

[Bananaman]

Yes, all my saddles have them on, as do most of my pupils!

As said already, flash straps make a cheap alternative and if your saddle is too wide for it to reach, link two together.

They're much more stable imo than a neckstrap.

 

[Tierra]

Yup, love them.

They're also very useful for riders with weak hands, either because they arent good at keeping a decent contact or because they're "fiddlers". All the saddles on our yard have them attached

 

[Happy Bird]

Think they're great. When I lost my confidence I found it great just having it there even if I didn't use it. When having flatwork lessons, found them useful again. Also I have a tiny 7 stone girl who shares my gelding. He sometimes snatches the bit (naughty boy) which almost pulls her out of the saddle. If she just loops a thumb underneath it stops him doing that.

 

[Blizzard]

thanks again, def going to give it a try!

 

[druid]

My brother's trainer is making him use one when practising for the flat scetion of his WH stuff in training - stops him fiddling with his hands constantly

 

[Llwyncwn]

Ive been using one for a couple of weeks since I read a thread on here. It has done wonders for my canter work - stops me fiddling and in turn stops my mare hollowing.

 

[WishfulThinker]

Do they not keep yout hands awful far down if you just use a flash strap?

Does anyone have a pic of one ?