Odd patting habit... does anyone else do this?

[PapaFrita]

When I pat PF or Antifaz whilst I'm riding I take my right hand off the rein but pat her on the left, mane-free side.
I hadn't realised I did this until today, and frankly it seems a bit odd!! Does anyone else do this??

 

[Tinkerbee]

yeah take hand off right rain and pat left hand side or throw arms round neck depending on what we've done

 

[Weezy]

I had a rep in Spain for dropping reins and patting on both sides of neck after a good round LOL!

However, in general I am the same as you, pat the otherside

 

[suebingham]

Ambidextrous here -- whichever hand and horsey part is handy.

 

[ru-fi-do]

I pat on the right hand side with right hand, very boring me!

 

[BroadfordQueen]

wow, i do the same as you pf and i have NO idea why! seems pretty silly really, just a habit though i guess!

 

[Chex]

Same here, right hand on right side, but his mane lies to the left. I'm sure if it lay to the right I would pat the left side!

 

[Tierra]

If riding, I only use my inside hand to pat his neck (whichever side is then on the inside).

I get screamed at by my trainer otherwise

 

[ladylisa]

I do the same, right hand to left side.

 

[Irishcobs]

Well since I'm not normal, generally 'well done' pat is Left hand on right side. But I am left handed and normally have a whip in the right hand so it is easier that way. But if they spook at something or are being hyper I do a 'calm down' pat left hand on left side easier to grab the rein back if I need to.

 

[severnmiles]

If I'm in the school and finish a session then I drop reins and pat both sides, if its after a SJ round then i'd hold the reins in my right hand and pat the opposite side (right side) with my left hand...so the opposite of what you do!

 

[sojeph]

I'm a rubber/scratcher!!

 

[Jellicle]

left on left but then I'm lefthanded so no difficulties for me! (in this area)

 

[Rachel_M]

Left hand on left.


I am right handed so I am can take my left hand off with out losing a good contact on the bit.

 

[S_N]

Either hand individually or together!

 

[RunToEarth]

Left hand to left side- always. Sometimes when I am competing and I am really pleased, or had a good lesson, when I have let them stretch out I dop the reins and pat both sides with both hands- apparently frowned upon?

 

[riotgirl]

I've honestly never thought about it. I tend to give a big hug rather than a pat. Especially in the winter as I tend to get clouds of dust in my face otherwise (one of the perils of having an unrugged, extremely woolly nag).

 

[Allykat]

[ QUOTE ]
If riding, I only use my inside hand to pat his neck (whichever side is then on the inside).

I get screamed at by my trainer otherwise

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here

 

[teapot]

tends to be both, depending on what rein on I'm.

Although I tend to stroke, rub rather than pat

 

[Evil_Cookie]

Don't pat, stroke/rub instead on mane free side (left) she flinches if people pat her.

 

[flyingfeet]

I don't pat either - I scratch the withers instead.

Don't think my neds would appreciate being thumped when they've done something good.....

 

[PapaFrita]

Oh, I meant a gentle pat, not great big slaps

 

[piaffe]

Oh I generally pat all over!!!

I remembered the first few times I patted V o n the bottom, I nearly feel out the back door!!!!!

 

[PapaFrita]

LOL, first time I patted Antifaz behind my leg he nearly went stratospheric; poor boy was expecting to get hit

 

[ruscara]

[ QUOTE ]
Left hand to left side- always. Sometimes when I am competing and I am really pleased, or had a good lesson, when I have let them stretch out I dop the reins and pat both sides with both hands- apparently frowned upon?

[/ QUOTE ]

As I understand it, what is frowned upon is when, for example, a rider is going through the finish after a good XC round and drops the contact completely to do this at a full gallop. I shouldn't think there is any harm when stretching after a lesson.