Two reins and small hands

[Troggy]

I have a bit of a problem! Lol!
I am planning on going hunting again very soon (hopefully this Saturday), last year my arms got pulled out of their sockets in a full cheek waterford so this year I bought a 3 ring gag waterford which Toff is really light in and I have good brakes. I had planned to use 2 reins, one on snaffle ring and then one on bottom ring for an 'emergency handbrake'. Luckily I had tested this before going as although it's an ideal set up and suits the pony, my hands are too small and despite the 2nd pair of reins being very thin(half rubber type and narrow) I still found it really uncomfortable to the point where my fingers went numb (although it was very cold…)! I have used 2 reins for showing before but not where it means I actually have to use them!
My hands are very small, can easily fit child’s gloves

Any tips? Was going to wraps plasters round fingers to stop blisters. Failing that would roundings work? Or just having it on second ring? Shame as it does work really well having it there to "check" her when she gets a bit headstrong

 

[Marnie]

What about using the middle ring with one rein? My mare is pretty strong at times (she is a big cob) and I bought a french link 2 ring gag (doesn't have the bottom ring) as the third ring was too much and stopped her dead. When she isn't pulling, I just release the contact, when she is, I can just pick it up.

Might be worth a try?

 

[lexiedhb]

Get some roundings and just use one rein!

 

[Theresa_F]

I used to use a three ring gag on the second ring very successfully with my TB - enough to stop her. Never needed the third ring so I used to just ride on the one rein on the middle ring for hunting and XC. Most of the time she was snaffle mouthed, but I like plenty of backup in these situations. She used to stop on a squeeze of the hand on this bit.

I too have very small hands and when showing have to use very thin leather reins - bit of a shame as I now have a chunky gypsy cob and need heavier leather work.

 

[Troggy]

Thanks all for your replies. I'm not going this Saturday now as it's not the meet I had planned on (short one for first time out this year) so have at least another week or 2 to test out one rein on 2nd ring or another set of second reins.
Thanks