Why is bridging reins so effective?

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Crazy_cat_lady

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Have to do this with H whenever he hears the hunt if I'm out hacking normal half halts etc have limited effect on him once he's heard them think he's hunted before i got him half wish I'd been brave enough to take him myself if he would box, I'd had someone to go with and I'd known you didn't have to jump I probably would have.

Thought I'd be safe hacking him in his snaffle as had had a lesson on him the last time I rode and was only going down the lane, was on our way back and heard the unmistakable baying, didn't even know they were out cue instant rocket up H's backside, jogging as though his feet were on hot coals, head stuck up in the air.

However with bridging the reins he is kept much more contained though he still had to jog couldn't possibly walk!

Is it because he doesn't have as much to pull against? I felt more secure also.
 
I think it's the very even pressure on either side and the instant release of pressure if they give even a miniscule amount.

I had the same effect riding with one hand - cowboy style, a bad habit I picked up working abroad (riding 8 hours a day) but I found accidentally that it totally calms one of mine down when he gets silly out hacking. If I go from 2 hands to 1 hand - instant calmer.
 
Physics - and they know it. They can't pull against you - only against themselves. Works with everything. Jockeys ride that way too.
 
I always bridge to canter out hacking. Alf takes a hold, pisses off with me if I let him, and has been known to throw a buck. If I have the reins bridged, he can fight with himself, instead of me - and I have something to lean on if I need a rest from making my legs/core hold me in two-point seat!
 
Definitely seemed to cause him shock that no he wasn't going to be racing off, interestingly if he's been getting strong to canter out hacking I've found it more comfortable to bridge them than hold them normally.

Polos mum I'm another who likes to hack western style e.g. one handed.

Thanks everyone!
 
tankgirl1 said:
Please can someone post a pic now that it is so easily done :) I think I know what bridging reins is, and I think I might even do it sometimes, but I can't get my head round it when it's written down, I need to 'see' it
Click to expand...

Yes please, I'm also a little confused. I think I know what it is but not sure.
 
Was at a lecture demo with Chris Bartle. He thinks everyone should ride with a one handed bridge - apparently Bettine Hoy competes her youngsters in dressage with a one handed bridge.
If you watch Nicola Wilson, Ros Canter etc... they all do it xc
 
VRIN said:
Was at a lecture demo with Chris Bartle. He thinks everyone should ride with a one handed bridge - apparently Bettine Hoy competes her youngsters in dressage with a one handed bridge.
If you watch Nicola Wilson, Ros Canter etc... they all do it xc
Click to expand...

is a one handed bridge just holding the reins in 1 hand per Polo's pics above? As a matter of interest why does CB think that.
I have found the horse is quieter riding with the reins in just one hand so am curious
 
A one handed bridge is when you bridge on one side of the reins but hold the other side normally if that makes sense, or that is what I'm assuming as it is how I ride with left hand bridged and my right, unbridged side, finger under my neck strap!
 
A word of warning - I have spent the last year trying to get out of the habit of riding one handed because being right handed my reins were always in my right hand which was reinforcing the right side dominance in my body. Also I think it was putting my right shoulder slightly forward of my left so rotating my upper body.
Obviously you can single bridge and still hold the other rein as Steerpike does.
 
paddy555 said:
is a one handed bridge just holding the reins in 1 hand per Polo's pics above? As a matter of interest why does CB think that.
I have found the horse is quieter riding with the reins in just one hand so am curious
Click to expand...

Probably because it gives the horse a stable, even contact and you can't fiddle with the poor sod's mouth that way!

I largely ride with a one handed bridge, particularly hacking. You do have to be aware of sitting straight, and it's good practice to swap hands from time to time. I also use a two handed bridge if the horse is being a little onward bound!
 
Polos Mum said:
I think it's the very even pressure on either side and the instant release of pressure if they give even a miniscule amount.

I had the same effect riding with one hand - cowboy style, a bad habit I picked up working abroad (riding 8 hours a day) but I found accidentally that it totally calms one of mine down when he gets silly out hacking. If I go from 2 hands to 1 hand - instant calmer.
Click to expand...
I seem to have developed this habit too, and accidentally kind of taught my horse neck reining as a result. It started because I was trying to prevent myself holding on to his mouth too tightly, it just felt right and I felt (maybe wrongly) that it made me feel straighter and more balanced and sat back and he seems to respond well to it in most situations but for me as a less experienced and confidnet rider I wonder if he might get away from me if the poop really hit the deck at any point

eta- i seem to do the 1 handed bridge re the above photo
 
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