would this help control my hands??

[texansunrise]

I have been riding western for many years and have recently started back into english style. I am a massive fan of dressage and would love to compete my horse one day.However, I am having a real problem with my hands. I know this may sound silly but i hold the reins so lightly i find it very difficult to work a horse in a contact and not to drop them when they soften. I have a very green horse with masses of potential and a great trainer but i get really frustrated with myself that i cant get the 'feel' . It has been suggested that i try the carl hester fantastic elastic reins, just wandered if anyone had similar problem or tried these reins? Thanks guys x

 

[MrsMozart]

Haven't tried them, but heard good things about them.

Also try putting an elastic band on your reins where your hand should be (at walk), and where your hands should be at trot. These markers might help you concentrate on the contact

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[jumpthemoon]

I've not tried them either but I have a similar problem - the reins end up slipping through my fingers and I have to keep shortening them. I've found that just trying to keep reminding myself and actually shortening them every time they slip has helped.

I think I used to let them slip and then just ride with them longer. The more you practice the quicker it will become second nature

Although it is very frustrating along the way!

 

[BFG]

You can get a product called Flexi rein it works the same way as he Carl Hester reins but a fraction of the cost and as they aren’t Dressage legal i would try the cheaper version first.

http://www.robinsons-uk.com/products/search.asp?keyword=flexi+rein&x=34&y=16#sku.35227

You attach your normal reins to them.

 

[emma69]

'Talk' down your reins to your horse. Light half halts improve the pace, and also force you to be aware of what your hands are doing. I had a couple of students who were so used to hacking on the buckle (not a bad thing!) that they dropped all contact. Also work on keeping a 90 degree angle in your elbow, most people carry their hands far too low, your elbows should be in to your waist, which forces you to carry the weight of your hands and not drop them on to the neck. I have very light hands, I just use pressure from my ring finger to maintain the contact and half halt. I would say elastic reins aren't going to help long term as you can't use them in a dressage test. It may take a bit longer doing it the old fashioned way, but you will get better results long term.