questions

[Illusions]

Okay, I have a couple questions

When riding on the road, which hand do you have your whip in?

And when you hack, when the instructor puts their hand up to turn left or right should I do the same?

And when I'm riding, my whip always gets in the way, so my hands end up turning diagonal, what can I do to stop this?

Well you might've guessed I went on my first hack recently! yay
And it was really good, we went through some field, and this little wood, and down some roads, it was great :D
It went so quickly though, and we didn't know we were going on a hack until she said but some coat thingys on!
Anyway, here's some pictures:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/Illusions144/Shamus/P52912292.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/Illusions144/Shamus/head.bmp
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/Illusions144/Shamus/high.bmp
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y167/Illusions144/Shamus/P5291287.jpg
I think i need to bring my leg back more now,
but anyway, thanks for reading!

[Illusions]

Anyone?

[Big Ears]

when riding on the road you should have your whip in the hand which is closest to the traffic i.e. in the UK that would be your right hand, in USA left hand.

You should use the same signals as a car driver for turning, so look at your highway code. it is also polite to signal to drivers to thank them if they have passed your slowly.

if you are riding in a school, then your whip should be in the hand which is inside i.e. in a position to tap the horse to keep him to the outside of the track.

[ajhainey]

Whip nearest traffic and only practise will help with the whip - if you don't normally ride with one in the school maybe start doing so for the practise? It will always be a little diagonal though...

Usually on a guided hack you will not be expected to signal unless you find yourself at the rear or front of the ride for some reason...schools I've been out with prefer customers to keep both hands on the reins as much as possible :p If there are only two of you you won't usually signal direction (unless asked) but if you are at the back you would always say thank-you. A nod and a big smile will do :-) Or lift your hand like you do in a car.

Ask the lead ride/instructor for their guidelines before you set off though - they will have their own views and everywhere is a little different..

aj xx

[Illusions]

okay, thanks!