EML et al - Market Harlborough?

[Daffy Dilly]

Eml, saw in a thread yesterday I think that you use a MH when a rider is particularly bad at maintaining a decent contact.

Could you, or somebody else, please explain why/how this is effective, and what it would actually do? I'm terrible at the contact lark, and I think it's about time I fixed it.

[eml]

They need to be used with care and under instruction. We have them on two of our biggest horses in school flatwork only

One is an ID mare who leans on more novice riders and so moves them out of position. The MH means that she initially leans on the rein, ie herself, and doesn't shift the rider so they can maintain position and therefore keep her working forward.

The other is a big TB type ex eventer who is very long and if allowed to sprawl deteriorates immensely in her work and her musculature. The combination of a MH and my ensuring riders actually ride her forward prevents that.

They are not the solution for all problems, depends on if it stems fundementally from horse or rider. Other solutions could be flexireins if you have a stiff shoulder/elbow contact. Best thing is to ask your RI to analyse and advise you.

[Laura+Phantom]

Daffy Dilly - I came across a good tip in one of the horsey mags that I am going to try, as I have 'loose fingers' and am useless at maintaining a contact :rolleyes: It said to attach one of those balance straps to the D rings of your saddle and loop your little fingers under it, thus keeping your hands in the right position and not allowing your reins to feed out. I'm going to try it with a bit of baler twine!

Not keen on MH's :(

[Daffy Dilly]

Saddle? What saddle? :D

I read that too though.. was it in Your Horse? In any case, my problem is that I feel I'm quite heavy handed, but then once Daffy has relaxed his jaw I release too far or not far enough and the impulsion is just let out of the front end.

[Laura+Phantom]

Lol yes I don't suppose it would work bareback :) Yes I think it was in Your Horse..

Hmm...not sure then..