How to get/keep good rein contact/on the bit

[Celestica]

This is one of the main sectors which I struggle with I never seem to be able to get a decent rein contact. I have the right length in the rein just not enough contact, I half-halt and keep my supportive leg on while bringing my elbows back to make my hands come closer to my stomach but I never seem to do it

Also how can I encourage the horse to drop his head more and go on the bit? This only happens out of flukes now and then but wish I could do it purposely every time I rode!

 

[JFTDWS]

"on the bit" is about more than dropping the horses head and comes from the horse working from behind and over its back. Half halts ask the horse to sit back and steady up - not tuck its nose in. A half halt should be more of a squeeze on the rein than a movement of your hand.

As for consistent contact, welcome to the club. I throw my reins away for fun apparently

 

[Suziq77]

Close the back of your armpits, shoulders back keep your hands up, look up and use your legs - then they find the contact.

Or that's what I keep shouting at myself......

 

[Patterdale]

When teaching I try to explain contact by saying it's like holding a toddlers hand to cross the road. They need to know they can't get away, but you can't jerk/hurt them or they will WANT to get away. Might help!
You're right though I think That rein contact is just about the hardest thing to get right on a horse!

 

[Patterdale]

Also don't overthink it - hours in the saddle and let things just happen! Try not to worry to much about what your little fingers etc are doing, just concentrate on staying in balance and getting a feel for it and it will come!

 

[Lintel]

We have been doing some refresher schooling the past couple of days and my little guy is stubborn as a mule.- As am I.

The harder I fight to bring him to into contact and get his ass-a-moving the harder he fights back. I tend to find the holding a baby's or toddlers hand idea(as patterdale said) to work wonderfully. Squeezing my reins one at a time like sponges- very gentley along with this does it for mine.. thus being is he is in the right frame on mind!

Don't get yourself stressed or stop breathing about it, it shall come- patience is a virtue and all that
Keep yourself balanced, calm and think about what you want your little un to do, never mind thinking about dinner(my problem!!)

Keep in mind that a horse needs to have a decent amount of fitness to work from thee butt and keep and nice outline going. If they don't have the correct muscle they will struggle an awful lot, so keep it nice and short. (not saying you ponio is unfit- as I have no idea!)

Best of luck!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Use your legs!

 

[Kallibear]

Are you still learning to ride, or is this more an issue with you're own horses?

If you're still learning, it just takes practise. It requires a completely independent seat and body from your hands, which is easier said than done! If you cannot keep
your hand separate from your body at ALL times (regardless of what the horse is up to), you cannot keep a consistent contact. Those people who appear to sit effortless at all times have acheive that independent seat and can keep the same constant. feel on the reins even when the horse is being unhelpful.

Think about having lunge lessons if you still need to practise a bit more as it helps your seat massively. Then it's just constant practise until it's muscle memory.

Then there's people like me who are just plain lazy and forget I spend a huge amount of time hacking, slobbing on the buckle, so when I do have lessons or school, it need the instructor to keep getting after me about dropping my hands and having too light a contact.

If it's your horse, maybe think about which bit you're using. My old horse was terribly inconsistent until I found him a bit he liked.

 

[labruyere]

well said, pearl

first, concerned that you are bringing elbows back to your side

elbows should be lightly against your ribs AT ALL TIMES ,
with a bend in your elbow,
upper arm vertical,
angle of bend such that lower arm to bit is a straight line

reins the right length?
contact should be there over a range of rein lengths
think free walk long rein - this doesn't mean rein in loops, it means horse MAINTAINS contact in a longer outline
(as opposed to give and retake reins)

as always its impossible to give specific help without seeing horse and rider

but IMO the best bit of kit to help you with this is
guessed?
NO NOT DRAW REINS
a set of continental reins
(the ones with tabs spaced along rein)

use the tabs to check both reins are same length

and that horse is not sneaking rein off you
(my old TB was a master at that, continentals alerted me to his attemps at this as you suddenly realise that the tab has 'moved')

start with a medium plus length
prob about the fourth tab
keep your elbows bent and against ribs (as above)
'lock' your shoulder, elbow and wrist joints
(ie set a position and maintain it - this is NOT the same as pulling)

and squeeze firmly with both legs,
in a constant pressure,

he will prob argue with his head for a while but carry on, don't react or change anything
UNTIL he drops his head (even a fraction)
WHEN you IMMEDIATELY unlock your joints (don't move your arms, just relax the joints)
and reward him with your VOICE
(always amazed how many people pat them at this point, daaaaah)

repeat

he will soon realise that all he has to do to release the pressure is soften his neck and jaw
and at the same time you will develop FEEL for a contact

btw do not make the common mistake when he's argueing of thinking you are hurting him,
assuming you set a sensible length of rein and then just maintain it with the joint 'lock'
he is doing the pulling not you
so his comfort is within his control