Hands All Over The Place

[EmmaArr]

I recently started riding a WelshCobSecD and now have private lessons with the Grampian Regional Chairman of BHS (Julia Gourley). It was then I was told that my hands often move or bob about when I'm trotting or cantering. I hadn't relised as I was at a riding school and wasn't told about this. Anyway what are your tips on how you keep your hands in the correct place when trotting or cantering?
XxX

[LaurenEff]

I had the same problem and my instructor told me to hold my saddle for a short while, so i did and i found that my hands stayed in the right place after that :D

[Fanshawe]

Check where your elbows are. If you have wobbly hands then it's normally because the elbows are sticking out (even slightly) so the lower (and upper to some extent) arm is unsupported. If you bring your elbows in it is easier for your body to keep them still. Failing that ask Julia next time you have a lesson!!! :)

[*-crazy-chaz-*]

i have the same problem, but can't work out whether the cause is with me or my horse. she moves her head a fair bit, but when i relax, she relaxes, & generally doesn't tend to move her head as much. she needs a v light contact, so i give her it & she is fine. she does bit evade sometimes though, but i think that will pass.
try what i did if you like, if you do, hope it helps :)

[perkypinky]

thats my big bug bear at the moment - i have been holding my balance strap and just been very very aware of my hands, so hopefully it is getting better ( have a lesson next week so will see if there is an improvement) Practice Practice Practice i think is the key!

[kaytenherponies]

Try to think of it s if you are carrying a tray of drinks on the top of your hands. U have to let your body move independantly to ** hands and arms. U can practice this off of your horse. Hold your hands and arms in the position they would be and simulate the rythem of a rising trot or canter. move your body but keep your hands and lower arms perfectly still but not ridgid. Also try having a lunge lesson without your reins (arms out etc). It may well be that you are relying on your hands a little too much. Good luck let us know how it goes

[eventerbabe]

when i was much younger and still learning, my RI made me carry two plastic mugs of water and i got a yelling at every time i spilt any! but not really a very practical exercise (and i don't think pat would want her cob soaked :p). Have you tried something like a spur strap tied between the D-rings of the saddle? hook your pinkies through the strap and that should help. Also think of your elbow positioning, they should be almost on your hips. good luck!

[EmmaArr]

my elbows are in the right place, i'll will ask Julia about the tips you all have given me, thanks.
Eventerbabe: I agree, you can imagine her reaction if i did the water one!

[aussieannie]

I recently started riding a WelshCobSecD and now have private lessons with the Grampian Regional Chairman of BHS (Julia Gourley). It was then I was told that my hands often move or bob about when I'm trotting or cantering. I hadn't relised as I was at a riding school and wasn't told about this. Anyway what are your tips on how you keep your hands in the correct place when trotting or cantering?
XxX

The only way your hands will stay still is when you have good core stability. This will give you balance through your body and you wont need your hands for balance.Try Pilates it is the be all for riding.

[Bay Mare]

It might be worth taking it right back to you seat. If you're over-rising, rising straight up and down or forcing the rise in trot then this will 'make' your hands move. In canter check that you're not pushing or driving with your seat.

Didn't your trainer tell you why it was happening or how to remedy it? If they didn't it might be worth asking.

[EmmaArr]

My hands are fixed :)
x

[Joyscarer]

My hands are fixed :)
x

Great :D But how? :)

[EmmaArr]

im not sure....:rolleyes: they just are :D