Holding reins

[Seahorse]

Why when holding reins do you have to put your little finger on the outside?

Just a random thought earlier while hacking!

 

[JessMannion]

yup. i used to stick my pinkie out like an overly posh woman drinking tea...- i looked v silly

 

[Irishcobs]

To give you more grip? So the reins don't pull through your hands.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

so you dont break your little finger, the pinky finger is not very strong.

 

[Seahorse]

I have found that I have a lot more grip and control when holding them with my whole hand.
And I was reading an article today about schooling and it said that to get your horse onto the outside rein more, use your whole hand.

 

[Weezy]

Nothing at ALL wrong with using the whole hand and sometimes can be very beneficial

 

[muddy_grey]

I find my little finger just gets squished. Also it just feels wierd! Though that's probably just from never doing it.