Rein contact

[RingLass]

I was talking to a very good friend of mine about her tb/walking horse cross trail horse. She said he can gallop faster than most dirt bikes can ride (and I believe her, I've SEEN him do it) and that all you have to do is lean foreward over his neck, bridge, the reins, and cluck to him.
The leaning and clucking I understand ... but what is "bridging" ? I've never heard it mentioned in the Saddleseat style of riding ...

[Shiny McShine]

In my experience bridging the reins refers to laying one rein over so that you are holding both reins in each hand. Its a little hard to explain without you seeing it. Its used mostly in the exercise of racehorses so that they can have a little more control of the horse.

[Razzer]

Hello,

Although I'm a novice, I have already been taught this. It is used when riding fast with short stirrups. You ride crouched, bum off the saddle (jockey style).

Your hands will be resting on the base of the horses neck, each riegn is held in both hands and the hands angled as if you are holding onto bicycle handlebars, with the reigns going from the outside (pinky side) to the bit. To use the reigns, simply twist your hands backslightly.

I personally find this very comfortable, and the horses seem to like it too. My instructor tells me that this is because the horse can move more freely than when you sit right down in the saddle.

It is however not so secure, so watch it if the horse suddenly decides to stop or change direction unexpectedly.

This is my first post - so hello everyone.:)

[ilovebacara]

hello razzer!!
i think that razzer covered most of it!! it is an easy way to control your horse whilst gallopin as fast as poss cos you dont have to pull or tugjust roll your hads back and forwards like a check release typ action on the bit and then hay presto you have stopped :D