Hands?

[horseygal90]

I realised today I have no idea where my hands are meant to go. I know their not meant to be resting on their neck, but if I carry them any higher I feel really 'artificial' if you get what I mean... I feel like they're wayyy too high, and I have no control. Where should they be carried?
P.S I was taught wrong when I was younger, leading to lots of problems now, and I'm trying to get them sorted! Bad habits are very hard to break though. ;)

[kedwards]

Most of the time they should be just above the withers (no more than about 4 inches up).

However, the real test is to see whether there is a straight line through your elbow and hands down the reins to the bit.

[shirley]

Hands should be about the same height as the withers, even slightly higher.
If you sit straight upright in a chair and bend your elbows and let them drop naturally from your shoulder and then bend your elbows. From your elbows to the horses mouth should make a straight line, so this is where your hands will lie on that straight line. Length of rein needs to be enough to give a light even contact with the horses mouth and squeeze with fingers for control of the mouth, never pull with hands or arms.
If you carry your hands too high it puts you off balance. Also try carrying a box in front of you and see where it is most comfortable place to hold and this should also give you an idea where your hands need to be placed.

[horseygal90]

Thanks you guys, will try that out. Not so confused now!

[dancing-horse]

They shouldn't be resting on the horses neck, your right about that. But, they also shouldn't be hovering way over his head either. They should be slightly off the neck so that it's easier to keep them still. They shouldn't be resting on the saddle pad or saddle. They should be just in front of the saddle pad. So, basically, it's going to be your job to keep your hands in place and not have to rely on a saddle pad or the horses neck.