How to Hold the Reins in English Riding

There are a great many differences between styles of riding horses. The most prominent differences are between English riding and Western riding. Each style has its advantages, but it is up to the individual rider to find the style that works best for him. Before choosing the type of saddle or reins you will use, experiment by going to stables that have both styles of riding. Familiarize yourself with both riding styles before choosing whether to use the one-handed style of the Western rider or two-handed style of the English rider.

Things You'll Need

  • English saddle
  • Riding gloves
  • Apples or carrots
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the saddle onto the horse. Test that the saddle is secure and you are comfortable sitting on the saddle. Put on your riding gloves before you mount your horse.

    • 2

      Give the horse a carrot or an apple and pat him gently as you walk around him. Let him get to know you.

    • 3

      Mount the horse smoothly. If you are a beginner, have someone help you get on the saddle. The saddle is smaller than a Western saddle, so sit and trot until you get used to the smaller size.

    • 4

      Hold the reins of the horse so that the left one is resting on the palm of your left hand and held loosely between the fingers with the thumb resting on top. Take the right rein and hold it in the same fashion. You should practice this before ever mounting the horse so it will feel comfortable when you are on the horse.

    • 5

      Shorten the rein by sliding the hands down with your thumb on top until the length is a comfortable one that will help you to control the horse. This action shortens the length of the reins between your hands and the horse's bit.

    • 6

      Ascertain that both reins are even in length. This is very important so you can control the horse better and keep it walking or running evenly and symmetrically.

    • 7

      Hold your hands in an upright position, thumbs up as though you were carrying a hot cup of coffee in each hand. Hold them tight, but not too tight. Try walking slowly around a track until you get used to the way the reins feel. This is very different from the one-handed style used in Western riding, so give yourself time to adjust.