Tips for bouncing hands

[Sossigpoker]

I've got a real trouble with keeping my hands from bouncing and wondering if there are any tips or tricks that people find useful for this ?
I saw some video of myself riding and wasn't impressed to say the least !

 

[humblepie]

I think it starts further up the body. Will leave it to the experts though as I’m definitely no expert.

 

[Barton Bounty]

God, you dont want to know what I was made to do

 

[littleshetland]

Try and make sure your fingers / finger tips are touching the saddle or saddle cloth. Not gripping or holding, just touching, and make sure your thumbs are pointing forwards. This usually helps.

 

[millitiger]

It comes from your shoulders and elbows.
I find it helps to think to give with your elbows to the horse's mouth, rather than your hands, and that actually makes your hands softer and Stiller.

Or you can ride with 2 whips and focus on the handles of the whips staying aligned and close to the neck.
Or I have a rubber band to go around my wrists that reminds me hands together and elbows forwards.

Lots of options but only once you have pinpointed where the bounce is coming from- like I say, usually shoulders (which usually mean your seat isn't independent enough... and around you go again!)

 

[Sossigpoker]

It comes from your shoulders and elbows.
I find it helps to think to give with your elbows to the horse's mouth, rather than your hands, and that actually makes your hands softer and Stiller.

Or you can ride with 2 whips and focus on the handles of the whips staying aligned and close to the neck.
Or I have a rubber band to go around my wrists that reminds me hands together and elbows forwards.

Lots of options but only once you have pinpointed where the bounce is coming from- like I say, usually shoulders (which usually mean your seat isn't independent enough... and around you go again!)

I think you're right about the shoulders as I do tend to tense my shoulder blades and hunch over (sounds so elegant )

Good tips here , lots to think about !

 

[still standing]

I had this problem too, my hands were moving about all the time! Luckily it was sorted fairly quickly by my dressage trainer at the time. She fastened a long leather flash strap very loosely across the front of my saddle, from the D-rings on each side (like a kiddies' safety strap!) and asked me just to softly hook ONLY the little fingers of my hands under it & also try to relax my shoulders and elbows. It actually didn't interfere with holding the reins at all and I could 'allow' each hand to go forward a bit if needed by letting go and then hooking under again.
So my hands weren't fixed rigidly but were close to being in the right position. Every time they 'bounced' I was aware of it and it wasn't long before the new position became very natural to hold and eventually I didn't need the strap. (Although I still occasionally go back to it, as bad habits can creep back in!)

 

[Sossigpoker]

I had this problem too, my hands were moving about all the time! Luckily it was sorted fairly quickly by my dressage trainer at the time. She fastened a long leather flash strap very loosely across the front of my saddle, from the D-rings on each side (like a kiddies' safety strap!) and asked me just to softly hook ONLY the little fingers of my hands under it & also try to relax my shoulders and elbows. It actually didn't interfere with holding the reins at all and I could 'allow' each hand to go forward a bit if needed by letting go and then hooking under again.
So my hands weren't fixed rigidly but were close to being in the right position. Every time they 'bounced' I was aware of it and it wasn't long before the new position became very natural to hold and eventually I didn't need the strap. (Although I still occasionally go back to it, as bad habits can creep back in!)

Thanks I'll definitely try this !

 

[Burnttoast]

Agree it's a relaxation issue. If you can carry two cups of tea (or beverage of your choice) without spilling them you should be able to carry your hands similarly. Insufficient tone and stability in the core can also lead to tension in the shoulder girdle as you try to compensate. I find the Mary Wanless stacking your boxes analogy helpful, and imagining sand running down your upper arms into your elbows to keep them weighted at your sides and your shoulders soft and down. I don't like focusing on what the hands are actually doing as it's really just a symptom of issues elsewhere.

 

[nikkimariet]

Try bridging your reins. My hands are stable but my right hand can go a bit AWOL when jumping so I bridge that side only whilst warming up which really helps.

No need to over complicate it you just need to train your mind and body to become used to a correct position.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I put a strap onto my D rings today and softly held onto that- made a massive difference!

 

[GreyDot]

Get a friend to lunge you and really concentrate on what you are doing with your shoulders, elbows and wrists. Lunge lessons are so underrated but you can start easy with just getting someone to do it at home. It makes you very aware of your body.