How to Hold Reins

Both English and Western riders know how important it is to hold your horse's reins properly. The reins are your main mode of communication between you and your horse when you're in the saddle. Without them, you wouldn't be able to give your horse important commands when riding. Learning how to hold reins makes all the difference when it comes to proper horsemanship, whether you're competing in barrel racing or learning dressage.

If you're a beginning rider looking for some tips and tricks for how to hold English reins, how to hold double reins or how to hold reins Western style, you've come to the right place. The experts at Mary's Tack and Feed are here to give you some pointers for holding your reins the next time you're in the saddle.

Know Which Type of Reins You're Using

First, you should become familiar with the type of reins you're using so that you can continue to ask questions and learn about the proper techniques. Western riders use bridles with split reins. These include one long rein on either side of the horse's bit, which can be tied together at the saddle. English riders often use loop reins, which are connected together with a buckle at the end. While there are a few other types for more specific needs, these are the two types that nearly all riders use.

How to Hold Western Split Reins

If you're riding Western, you'll need to learn how to hold your horse's Western split reins either in one or both hands. Hold one rein in each hand, allowing just enough slack between your hand and the horse's head that the reins can dangle a bit and your horse can move his head freely, but you can still feel tension when you give the reins a tug. Once you find the right hand placement, loop the rein between your first three fingers and your pinky finger, allowing the ends of the reins to drape over your thumb. Hold your hands in fists, thumbs facing up and with your hands positioned just in front of your saddle's horn. If your horse neck reins, you may want to tie the reins together and hold them in just one fist.

How to Hold English Loop Reins

Because English reins form a complete circle and are much shorter than Western reins, you'll have less guesswork. You want to aim to form a straight line from the horse's mouth and bit down the reins and to your hands, arms and elbows. This means holding the reins in your hands a few inches above the horse's withers, approximately four inches apart and with straight forearms. Let the reins pass between your ring finger and pinky finger, looping over your palm and back out between your thumb and index finger. This allows for communication with just the flick of a wrist, rather than with your whole arm.

You'll also want to ensure that your English reins are adjusted to the proper length. While casual riding requires less tension on the reins, if you're jumping, you'll want the reins a bit tighter so you can move your hands up toward the mane and head.

If you're still not sure about which reins are right for you, give us a call at 800-551-6279!  We're happy to help.