RDA? Query

skewbaldpony

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 May 2007
Messages
1,493
Location
West Country
Visit site
Anyone have any experience of reins with loops on for a child who has insufficient hand grip to hold the reins consistently? Was asked about this today and couldn't see how it would be very safe? But equally think I have seen something similar in (possibly) an RDA class? Can anyone shed any light? (Problem is a physical disability one, not child too young to grip LOL)
 
Don't know if this helps, but we have a local endurance rider (she is advanced and very good) who is disabled and rides one-handed. Her reins resemble a ladder, so she grips each rung as needed (hope this makes sense). I can find out more from her if you think this might help.
 
If you mean what I think you mean, they are reins with a loop on the middle that the riders can hold, not put there hand through, it just so that can pick up the loop which is easier than trying to shorten the reins or pick them up in the right place. My mare is used for RDA sometimes and she wears some of a particular rider.
 
hm mm, see what you mean, but I think in this case, the child is holding the reins, in the correct position, but lacks the grip to keep hold if the pony 'snatches' as they all do, so needs some kind of loop on the rein? Dunno that was the impression I got. So not sure that would work. Thanks though.
 
Hi, i work with the the sport riders at an RDA group we have all sorts of reins but have recently had some made that are proving to be very good and are being used at all grades, im not very good at explaing things so i will get some pictures of them tomorow when i go into work, if thats o.k?
H.
 
I would be careful pony doesn't pull child straight over its head if it snatches at reins. Have memories of my kids when small having this problem and it's a real pain, they would end up with really sore hands where reins were pulled through hands.
Think we ended up putting stronger bit in with a curb to allow them to sock pony in teeth when it did it. Also used grass reins. Sorry for unwarranted advise, do have visions though of small child flying through the air
shocked.gif
tongue.gif
 
Yes, I see your point. The problem in this case is that the pony loathes grass reins, and goes backwards in them. I use grass reins on mine, and a pelham, if necessary! Our little shetland cross goes a treat in that combination and it has helped little daughter develop decent hands rather than ham fists, imho. But this pony doesn't like grass reins. <sigh>
Mind you, I do take your point about the somersault ....
 
Top