Give and retake the reins

[HayleyUK]

In Prelim14, movement 6 says :B-Circle right 20m diameter & after E give & retake the reins.

Do I just push my hands forward up her neck towards her ears for a couple of strides then bring them back?

What is the judge looking for?

Thanks

 

[kerilli]

yes, that's it basically. the judge is looking to see that the horse stays in the same rhythm, doesn't fall onto its forehand, that it is in self-carriage (or the beginnings of it, at Prelim), and that it comes back onto the contact smoothly and willingly, i think.
i've seen Pros do the give-and-retake by raising both hands in an exaggerated way, about 10", and pushing them very slightly forwards but not actually releasing the contact, though. looks incorrect and a bit of a cheat to me, but they didn't seem to be marked down for it...

 

[Sal_E]

Yes, one continuous movement - try to make it nice & steady showing a clear 'give' (obvious loop in reins) then back again. Be careful to make it smooth though - as opposed to 'chuck' the reins & 'snatch' them back!

Also remember not to tip forwards as you do it.

 

[HayleyUK]

Thank you; I feel like a right prat doing it!