WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE HAND IT IS IMPORTANT TO note that it is simply a guide, a filter of sorts, that directs the energy we create with our horse.
One thing that will kill the energy of the horse is pulling back on the reins. This has a negative effect because it puts pressure on the bars of the mouth, the horse then has the reaction of leaning onto that pressure (remember they are “into pressure” animals). It is the reason we have to ride the horse up into the hand, from the leg and seat, instead of bringing the hand back and then trying to push the horse forward. The second approach will only put the horse on the forehand and create resistance. It’s just mechanics, it’s how the horse operates.
Let’s look at a few pictures to help understand the reaction in the horse.
Here is a picture of the hands coming down and back (toward the riders thigh), note the horses reaction in the jaw and neck.
The second picture: the hand is up and forward, giving the horse room to reach into the hand instead of onto it.
Another picture: while this rider has not dropped her hands down, they are still having a backward effect. You can see this by the set in the horses’ jaw and neck.
Next picture: A more relaxed forward hand, inviting the horse to follow. Also note the rider leg position between these pictures, this matters!!
A responsive hand position creates a connection, it is this connection that allows us to influence the topline of the horse. Since we know the horse needs to lift its back to carry us, our approach needs to be one that creates that effect. When we ride, the horse is either going to hollow away from our weight, or lift it.
One very important thing to remember: in order for the horse to connect with the hand instead of lean on it, we must never take both the reins the same. If you use the inside rein indirectly, you soften the outside. If you connect the horse to the outside, you soften the inside. It is not a conversation if there is constant weight in your hand.
A direct line from the elbow to the bit is one we should pay attention to. If we break at the wrist it disrupts the connection, especially when we take the hand down. There are times that we lift the hand for a certain effect, that certainly breaks that line but that is a moment in time, to make a correction, not a way of riding.
I’m going to talk about 3 of the rein aids; indirect rein, direct rein and the lifting rein. There are many variations for different problems but we will start with these 3.
Indirect rein: It is used into the neck with a slight lifting of the hand, it never opens away from the neck. This is always an inside rein, whether it is used on the inside of the horse or the outside, the effect is the same.
Why we use it: To soften the base of the neck and move the shoulder away from that side. It has an indirect effect on the jaw and tongue, encouraging the horse to move the shoulder over and soften the jaw and poll. Here are a few examples:
Indirect rein on the inside.
Indirect rein on the outside for counter bend to move the left shoulder
Direct rein: Is a direct line from the bit to the hand (although never backward!) This can be an inside rein or an outside rein.
As an inside rein; it is an opening rein to lead the horse in that direction. It’s usually (not always!) reserved for young or green horse to get the notion of following the rein. It can encourage the horse to lean on the inside shoulder as they turn so we change to an indirect rein as soon as the horse is following.
Example
As an outside rein; it is a straightening and connection rein, it is how the horse learns to curve their body instead of falling to the outside. It’s this connection, from inside leg to outside rein that allows us to round the topline. It is important to note, the direct outside rein has to be elastic, sometimes it must give, other times it needs to receive, yet another might limit the outside shoulder to straighten the horse.
A few examples of direct outside rein:
This picture shows a direct outside rein used to straighten the outside shoulder
This one shows the outside rein receiving (connection)
The lifting rein: it effects the corners and roof of the mouth with little to no pressure on the bars. It is used for many problems but initially it is very useful for horses that tend to lean on the hand or push through it. Because we know that backward pressure on the reins (pressure on the bars of the mouth) cause the horse to lean onto the hand, a lifting rein is a good tool to help the horse open the throat latch area and change the pattern of leaning on the hand. Remember this is a way of correcting a problem, not a constant position.
This picture shows using the lifting rein as a direct rein on the outside. It is useful for horses that step the haunches to the outside when backing up.
