how to hold double reins

[AprilBlue]

i get soo confused when i have to hold double reins! some people put the reins through different fingers ect.

so has anyone got any info or tips on how to hold double reins correctly?
thanks

 

[ex racer rider]

i get soo confused when i have to hold double reins! some people put the reins through different fingers ect.

so has anyone got any info or tips on how to hold double reins correctly?
thanks

There isn't a real 'correct' way to hold them as there are about 5 different ways!
I personally hold the snaffle rein under my pinky finger and my curb/double rein under my ring finger so that way my snaffle rein will always act before the curb/double rein and i find it easier to drop or pick up each rein and ride on one more than the other that way.
Or you can hold them a 'special' way (it has a name i cant remember! Filippe Karl often rides like this) where your hand is a fist with the curb/double rein over your hand (under your thumb) and then your snaffle rein under your hand.
Just have a play around and see what you find easier!

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

There's lots of different ways, but i like the one where you hold the snaffle rein like normal and the other rein between the middle and index finger. I prefer that as i feel i have more use of the snaffle rein and only selective pressure on the curb rein.

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

Wait, i meant middle and ring finger, i think the index finger is just about the only one never involve lol.

 

[whisp&willow]

Hold them however you feel most comfortable!

I lay my reins out on the neck; snaffle rein closer to the head, curb rein closer to the withers.

I pick up the curb rein first, and hold it between my index and middle finger. I then pick up my snaffle rein and hold it between my pinky and ring finger.

This means that i predominantly use the snaffle rein, but can implement the curb by slightly raising my hand

(its really hard to explain... so i guess its probably equally hard to understand what i mean!?)

 

[RayJaguarStorm]

There are a few different ways to do it

I hold my snaffle rein like normal and then have the curb in the finger above, so under my middle finger. This is the most common way nowadays I think and also most commonly used by dressage riders, I find it the most comfortable

 

[Pearlsasinger]

There are a few different ways to do it

I hold my snaffle rein like normal and then have the curb in the finger above, so under my middle finger. This is the most common way nowadays I think and also most commonly used by dressage riders, I find it the most comfortable

That's what I do too, for exactly the same reason as other posters, the snaffle rein comes into play 1st.

 

[pip_dog]

So do the reins get crossed at some point?

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

So do the reins get crossed at some point?

Depending on which method you use, yes. Anytime the curb rein is held above the snaffle, they will cross Takes a few rides for it to start feeling natural.

 

[pip_dog]

Sounds bizarre! Want to show my mare next year. And it's obv the done thing to show in a pelham or double. Lord knows it will take me a while to get used to it all. And her!

 

[BlizzardBudd]

If you scroll down on this website it has got the ways explained
http://www.classicaldressage.net/members/lesson_pages/spurs_doublebridle.html

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

I'd practice once a week or so in the pelham then, just so she gets used to the bit and you get used to the double reins. The good thing about that is you can just ride with quite a slack curb rein and get the desired look whilst still only on a snaffle

 

[mynutmeg]

There are several different methods and the best thing is to play with them and see what works for you.
Personally I hold the snaffle rein in the 'normal', single rein position between the little finger and ring finger then the curb rein between the ring finger and the middle finger.
This means the curb rein crosses the snaffle rein - I can't think for definate without the reins in my hands but I think the snaffle goes on the outside with the curb next to the neck (will check tomorrow )

 

[pip_dog]

Gawd sounds complicated.

 

[Wagtail]

I hold the snaffle rein above the curb so they don't cross. I find it much easier to maintain the correct feel on both reins that way. Charlotte Dujardin can't be wrong!

 

[Littlelegs]

I hold the snaffle as normal, & the curb between ring & middle finger. However I have used them other ways, but always go back to that as it was how I first learnt.
To learn its really not that difficult. Either leave the curb rein slightly loose, so you can get the hang of it whilst still only riding on the snaffle. Or, something I've done teaching kids, stick a headcollar on over a snaffle bridle so the noseband is below the bit, or use a drop noseband. Attach curb rein to headcollar or drop noseband, that way you can practice with both reins the right length, but if you do make a mistake its not going to be as uncomfortable for the horse as if you make one with the curb rein.