Give and take reins?

[*Sez*]

I'm having a blonde moment :o (says the raven-haired one :rolleyes: )

I've got these Interdressage tests to get filmed by next weekend :eek: if I ever have any hope of entering. I'm actually starting to think that we're not ready and should wait another two or three years :rolleyes: but I know I just need to get on and ENTER the damn thing, and if we mess it up, we mess it up. No big deal.

The test says "give and take reins over E". Now, I've taken that to mean that I give my hands forward a little as we pass the "E" marker, and then bring them back again to the "correct" position. Is this right? If so, what exactly is the judge looking for in this movement? :confused:

[eventerbabe]

you are doing the same test as me ;) closing date isn't til 7th august so don't panic! the give and retake should be a forward and down movement so you properly 'give' the reins and release the contact :) what i expect from toby in such a movement is that he remains in self carriage and doesn't collapse in a heap when i give the contact away :)

[Konch]

I tend to give for a clear count of 3 as you cross the line they ask.

[Lgd]

The rider pushes forward both hands to clearly release the contact and then retake it. The movement of the hands should be continuous and achieved over two or three strides. As this is a test of self carriage the horse should stay in balance, keeping the same rhythm, level of engagement, suppleness of the back, and accept the restoration of contact without any loss of submission.

[Chels&&Cleo]

thats the same test i done on sunday u have to do it bold, i done it quick without realising and the judge wasnt lookin at the time and missed it, so i got marked down do it for a few stides

[coss]

i always make it a steady movement (like lgd and eventerbabe say) over 2-3 strides. the judge is looking to see the horse is in self carriage and will accept the contact you retake. hold the horse together with your seat and legs :p