hand and arm position.

[Festivepony]

I'm not sure I can explain myself here but I'll try.
I was taught to ride with my elbows bent and lower arm and reins following a straight line to the bit. I was taught to flex my wrist to use my aids softly, not pull my lower arm back. I hope that makes sense?
I had a lesson recently and my instructor said not to do this, but keep my wrist still and move my elbow back instead. I did as she said, but it felt wrong as I'd always thought the moving the wrist thing was right!
Was I taught wrongly, or have ideas changed, have I always done it wrongly or is my instructor wrong and should I stick to my old way? Arrrggghhh.

 

[Festivepony]

Anyone?

 

[Micky]

Your instructor is correct, think of your elbow as elastic.The line from your elbow to the bit contact should be straight but elastic, you can flex your fingers a bit to remind your horse to flex or whatever but not your wrists. Sorry about as clear as mud that!

 

[Festivepony]

So all those years ago those lessons teaching me to flex my wrist, taught me the wrong thing to do?! Doh.

 

[LouiseG]

Yes your instructor is right I'm afraid! Moving your wrists will cause your hands to "hook" and would break the straight line/consistency in the contact.

 

[Goldenstar]

Your wrists should be stable and your elbows need to following and allowing for the horses movement .

 

[Micky]

We were taught to grip the knees when i was a tiny person...but we had more fun back then, vaulting onto ponies from behind, bareback riding, round the worlds in walk etc