Double rein experts - help please!

E

eatonbraynat

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 July 2009
Messages
400
Visit site
Ok so i have bought and tried out today a 2 ring dutch gag for my boy who needs some extra brakes when out doing exciting things.

I am using it with double reins but havent used these in years and am struggling with them. Do you use the two reins independantly of each other and if so how? Any other tips would be greatfully recieved.

Thanks :)
 
One on the snaffle one on the gag, ride from the snaffle rein completely unless you feel you need the gag rein, and the dutch gag often works better with a leather curb strap.
 
Many people don't use 2 reins which, technically, is not correct but is quite often done when 2 reins is too much for small hands. Others use roundings which again eliminates the need for 2 reins but means you are trying to get a bit to do 2 jobs almost at once so is sometimes not liked.
If you want to use 2 reins then they should have a 'crossover point' i.e when you hold them you should see a slight x where they pass over each other. I like to have the snaffle rein in the usual position and the gag rein below my little fingers. This means I am more likely to use the snaffle as the normal aid and have to tip my hand to apply pressure on the gag rein if needed.
Yes, they can be applied together but this kinda negates the idea of being able to refine the aids by using them independantly.
Hope this is helpful, so much more could be said! Could you book a couple of lessons to help you at first?
 
I ride in a Pelham with two reins and find it easiest to have the snaffle rein in the "normal" position and the curb (in your case the gag) between my middle finger and ring finger. Again, the reins will cross over each other, as described above. It is easy to use each rein independently, depending on which fingers you open or close! It's just finding what way is easiest for you, really. :) You'll soon get back in the swing of it - riding with one rein now feels very odd to me!
 
Thanks very much guys, i was thinking it was a case of tipping the hand to get the gag action if needed just needed to make sure!!! Really helpful advice. Thanks again :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top