Learning to ride with 2 reins?

[JessPickle]

I am looking into stronger bits for pickle but would like to be able to use them with two reins not one as I think they are more effective this way. Could anyone give me any tips on using two reins and do you need specific reins for this or just two normal pairs of reins

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I use a thinner rein on the curb (rubber rein on snaffle and half lined on curb if on sponsored ride. Laced leather on snaffle and plain on curb when I'm showing). I hold the snaffle rein as normal and then hold the curb between my middle and index finger. Other people will tell you different ways, you just have to go with what works for you.

 

[RunToEarth]

Most people use plain leather bottom rein and plaited top rein, its easiest this way I find. Just practice, get the hang of it in the arena before you venture out on a hack and unless you need to use the bottom rein, its best to leave it slacker than the top rein.

 

[StarFell]

I've just switched Stars bit to a pelham and Im using roundings at the minute, but im going to use two reins to show and im not looking forward to it! It looks very confusing

 

[lillie]

ive always used my friends double bit with double reins & borrowed those reins when using the pelham but since i moved yard ive just got round to getting some i just use the pelham for hacking/faster work i hold the reins as normal with the top rein on the outside the place my little finger between the top & curb rein. (i think, its hard to imagine when your sat @ a PC!!)

 

[cyrilsmum]

Best tips I can give is don't use thick rubber reins, use different reins top and bottom and just practice. I've ridden with 2 reins for years and its just second nature now, when we swop back to a snaffle I find it hard to ride with a single rein.

 

[only_me]

when i first rode with double reins, i found it hard as we used a thinner leather rein on the curb and a thicker one on the bridoon. i had to ride without gloves at first, so i could develop the feel.
but after a couple of sessions of riding, i got the hang of it and could ride with gloves!

(at an event called the native challenge (which i was champ at

) i forgot the roundings for the pelhm for the xc phase and had to use 2 sets of reins for the xc - it was quite difficult as this was when i was 11 and had never ridden in them before - so instructor decided that it was time for me to learn to ride in double reins properly

)

best tips i can give is that ride without gloves for a couple of days to adjust to the lighter and more refined "feel" and maybe try one set of leather reins on the curb and use one of those half rubber half rubber leather reins on the briddoon?