Hands!!

[amylou_84]

I had a private lesson today and the RI said one issue i had was my hands. I held them too close together. I ended up having them so far apart that i felt like i had no control over the reins.
I usually have a good contact but she picked my hand and arm position apart and i felt like i had to put it all back together again!

Anyone any pictures or video of your hand position? Or any general tips about position of hands?

I have video (OH recorded) that i might put up if i am persuaded. My OH managed to miss a really good canter at the end when everything came together! I got so mad at him as the only canter he got was one at the start. I think he got bored! :rolleyes::mad:

[Shire Monster]

Last time I rode was with a different RI and she had me riding with my hands between 12-18 inches apart, it felt so wierd but within 5 minutes the horse was responding much better to what I was asking her and working in a lovely outline. I too felt like I had very little contact at all but after a little while i got more used to it, the steering seemed to work really well to, even with much less contact, not sure how it worked it just did.

[Packhorse12]

I would say that you need to make sure your shoulder is relaxed first of all, that is where the position of the hands start if you see what I mean. Then ensure the upper arm is hanging heavily and sort of floppily by your side with no tension there at all.
Now hold your hands as though you are carrying two mugs of hot tea or coffee. Not too close or they will bang together, not too far apart or your upper arm will be pushed against your side (providing they are still hanging as described).

Now think about the line of your lower arm - it should be a continuous line from your elbow along your arm and along the rein to the horses mouth. It shouldn't bend or angle at the point of your hand or wrist etc. One line from elbow to bit ring. Hope this helps a bit.

[amylou_84]

My shoulders were mentioned too :o I tend to hunch a bit too much which rounds my shoulders and brings my hands together i guess. It also all comes from leaning too far forward as well.
Basically its a whole host of things i need to work on :D :o

[Packhorse12]

OK - so that is probably what it is all about. Posture or whatever. Think of a piece of elastic attached to the front waistband of your jods. Now think of someone gently pulling that elastic. This helps you to push your waiste forwards.

The other thing to think of - maybe before even the elastic on the waist is to imagine someone has a piece of string fixed to the top centre of your hat and they are gently pulling your head upwards and stretching your neck and back slightly. Try it now whilst sitting at the pc -think tall. Imagine yourself to be taller as you ride and in fact MAKE yourself 2 inches taller by sitting long and straight from top to heel.

:)