Exercises/ideas to stop snatching back with one hand so the reins are unequal?

[maya2008]

My son’s started doing this - right hand drifts back and pony responds by tilting his head, so I don’t even need to see son’s hands, I can tell from a distance! It’s most noticeable on a pony who requires a stronger contact, and almost negligible on one that doesn’t.

I am riding next to him and correcting him every time they drift, but any wonderful visualisations or helpful ideas would be more than welcome!

 

[spider]

Maybe get him to ride with a whip across both hands so they stay together. Carrying a tea tray is a useful visualisation.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Might coloured reins help?

Kincade Rainbow Reins

Free UK delivery available at EQUUS. Kincade's Rainbow Reins are a popular choice for junior riders, beginner riders, or Riding for The Disabled Centres. These quality leather reins feature a rubber grip which has been sectioned into 3 colours. This can assist with teaching riders where to hold...

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[catkin]

If one hand slips back on one rein try wrapping different coloured electrical tape round the stops on Continental/webbing reins. Easy to just glance down and see both hands on yellow or whatever. I do this as I have a wobbly hand.


PS if you use stops check that the reins are actually equal before you start - I've had to return some that were slightly out on a new pair of reins (not a cheap pair either!) I always have buckles on the bit end of the reins, if needed it is then possible to even them out by punching a second hole.

Another alternative is to tie a little cord on the inside of laced reins where needed.

 

[maya2008]

If one hand slips back on one rein try wrapping different coloured electrical tape round the stops on Continental/webbing reins. Easy to just glance down and see both hands on yellow or whatever. I do this as I have a wobbly hand.


PS if you use stops check that the reins are actually equal before you start - I've had to return some that were slightly out on a new pair of reins (not a cheap pair either!) I always have buckles on the bit end of the reins, if needed it is then possible to even them out by punching a second hole.

Another alternative is to tie a little cord on the inside of laced reins where needed.

Reins are equal, his hand moves back, tightening that one rein (right) and causing the horse’s head to tilt to equalise the pressure. He knows he does it, we’ve visualised pushing the offending hand forwards so it feels like it’s further forward than the left one (and is therefore equal), I get him to glance at horse’s head and own hands periodically to check…. His hips are straight and shoulders too, he’s just drifting this hand back unconsciously and tightening the rein.

 

[J&S]

Give him a narrow neck strap and tell him to hook his little fingers through it. Keeps hands that move down nd together, Or, show him how to bridge his reins ?