Help my hands!

[RHM]

So after my crap grip causing me two fences down at the weekend I finally want to do something about it!

Is there anything that I can do to help my grip on the reins? I feel as though I am constantly having to shorten them when I ride.
I don’t have very good grip strength anyway and am pretty sure I have carpal tunnel flaring up which isn’t helping the situation. But even before my hands felt this weak it was an issue.

All tips and tricks welcomed!

 

[Carrottom]

A good pair of gloves helps my grip.

 

[CMcC]

I had this problem, very weak From shoulder to wrist and no grip in right hand. Realised I had all the symptoms of carpal tunnel so I started wearing a wrist support at night, it took about a month of wearing it every night but about 90%+ of symptoms gone and much stronger grip in right hand. It flairs up occasionally but I find couple of nights back with the wrist support and it gets better. That and a good pair of gloves, I can recommend eGloves.

 

[Cortez]

Try using dressage reins with stops.

 

[Fluffypiglet]

I fiddle with my reins and it drives me nuts as it really can't help my poor horse have a consistent contact. Gloves definitely help me keep still (as does more concentration!) I also tried reins with stoppers which helped a bit as I was more aware of being even. In addition as an office worker I now use my mouse in my non dominant hand as it helps me be more even with the use of both hands rather than everything being very one sided. I still drop my reins but these things have helped do it less often ?

 

[HBB]

My hands are arthritic and I find that continental/web reins help me keep an even contact.
For those that have severe pain/mobility issues with their hands, have a look at Alice reins.

 

[McFluff]

I'm terrible for letting the reins get longer while I ride along. For me, the best option is gloves and plaited reins (I've tried rubber, rubber lined, laddered and continental, but none work as well as the plaited do for me).

 

[RHM]

Thanks so much guys! New reins and gloves clearly needed then!

 

[Cowpony]

I had this problem, very weak From shoulder to wrist and no grip in right hand. Realised I had all the symptoms of carpal tunnel so I started wearing a wrist support at night, it took about a month of wearing it every night but about 90%+ of symptoms gone and much stronger grip in right hand. It flairs up occasionally but I find couple of nights back with the wrist support and it gets better. That and a good pair of gloves, I can recommend eGloves.

I have this too, and find the wrist supports help a lot. I use continental reins, which doesn't solve all my contact issues, but as mentioned above, they do help.

 

[RHM]

I had this problem, very weak From shoulder to wrist and no grip in right hand. Realised I had all the symptoms of carpal tunnel so I started wearing a wrist support at night, it took about a month of wearing it every night but about 90%+ of symptoms gone and much stronger grip in right hand. It flairs up occasionally but I find couple of nights back with the wrist support and it gets better. That and a good pair of gloves, I can recommend eGloves.

Glad to hear the supports worked for you! I have some to try but haven’t really stuck with them. Getting them back on now!