Clueless about western - rein question!

[*katie*]

Just curious - are the reins held in the same way in Western riding as in English - as in with the rein passing through the gap in between the ring and little fingers and with the thumb on top? Just wondering as it's something i've never thought of before - sorry for the randomness :o!

[flashy33]

when i was taught western on the ranch i was taught to hold one handed just both together as it was all done by neck reining

[Keket]

The traditional way is one handed, with one finger between the two reins, knuckles turned up.

However, lots of Western riders, especially new riders or riders on young horses, ride two handed. There's a few two handed riding positions, but I can't remember them all now. The two I use were the bridge position and the "two hand-two rein" style. Whenever I ride two handed, I do maintain the English way of holing the reins (in through the fourth and fifth finger, out over the index finger). This picture (http://www.bmhr.net/bmhr-web/images/Page_Images/wp-acceptablehand.jpg) shows someone riding western in the bridge position with the rein going into the hand between the fourth and fifth fingers.

[Shadowlark]

It depends on the bit in your horses mouth. If your horse is in a snaffle, than bridging is the expectation. If they are in a curb you are expected to have te reins in only one hand.

[flump1967]

Having just had a western lesson can confirm pony was in a snaffle and was taught to ride with a bridge, reins between little and third finger, how I would normally if riding english. Main difference hands much higher, hand movements much bigger and no contact with mouth.

[*katie*]

Ooh, thany you everyone; that's v interesting :)!