Improve your Hands: 3 Tips for Better Contact

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#seadycontact #followingelbows #riderposition
Finding a steady and soft contact with the horse’s mouth and keeping your hands quiet is one of the most difficult things in riding! Here are some tips to help…
Find the correct hand and arm position - It is very important to have a straight line from your elbow to the horses’ mouth. Imagine that you have a very long forearm and you can actually hold the bit with your hand. This will help you to keep the straight line from your elbow to the horses’ mouth. Some of the common mistakes to avoid: (1) riders tend to ride either with their hands too high or with a straight elbow and their hands too low. (2) Indirect rein aids where the rider crosses the rein over the horses’ neck to turn are also incorrect. Often riders use an indirect rein aid instead of using the leg to make the horse straight. (3) Riding with “piano. hands” or rotating the palms upward is also incorrect as this causes the forearm to be stiff. Make sure that your thumbs are up and your palms face each other
Follow with your elbows - at the walk and the canter, the horse has a nod in their head. Your elbows must follow this nodding motion in order to establish a steady contact and not hitting the horse in the mouth. It is essential to have the correct arm position in order to follow with the elbow.
“No seat, no hands” - Improve your seat to improve your hands - if you are having trouble with your hands, it is probably because your seat is not good enough!! Unsteady hands that bounce is often related to a seat that does not correctly follow the motion of the horses’ back. Focus more on your seat and on lowering your center of gravity and you will find it helps your hands!!
What is your biggest issue with your hands? Comment and let me know! Maybe I can help!
Happy Riding!
Amelia

[@lovelylaura8632]

Love your explanation on following the natural "nod" of the horses head in walk and canter. This is rarely explained or taught correctly. Thank you for this valuable information!!!

[@paulasalter4204]

Great explanations re hands!! I could immediately see i was using piano hands! I like the no seat, no hands statement. Info is now plugged into my brain! Thank you!

[@adityahaqie6882]

​@@paulasalter4204q1wawa1awa2q1W1 sys 1

[@pawsdedeux]

Keeping my thumbs up. It seems natural to end up in the 'piano' position.

[@ElizabethPayet]

It really does, especially since I actually do play piano, so my hands immediately want to go into that position.

[@CDN_Bookmouse]

Every time you post I come here and you talk about problems that I specifically have. I'm starting to take this personally, Ms. Newcomb. Great video! :P

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

😂😂😂😂 I'm watching you!!👀 😁

[@CDN_Bookmouse]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage O_O I'll try to make you proud tomorrow! I've been working hard on not going for the indirect rein.

[@nicolalambourne6782]

Snap!

[@ohcliff1030]

I am so glad you explained "a straight line from elbow to bit"!!! I've been an equitation rider and judge for over 25 years. As a judge I hate to see riders with their hands planted on the pommel of the saddle or their hands in their laps. I even tried to explain this to a rider at a show I judged who asked me why she didn't place higher. When I told her about her hands she said "tsk....you're just old fashioned. You need to get with it today"!

[@danieleallen648]

Oh Cliff sorry, i think old fashioned is good

[@donnafarmer3904]

"Old fashioned" is a good thing.

[@Kaytaur76]

Thank you for making these videos. They are short and concise and fantastic for those of us that are visual learners. I started videoing all of my rides about 3 years ago and I watch them as soon as I get home, and wow, the visual feedback is invaluable. Even if you cover a topic I feel I’m pretty good with, you always provide a new tool I can add to my toolbox. I was wondering if you have considered wearing white gloves. It would really draw attention and make it easier to see. I love watching competitions videos because I can really see the subtleties in rider position and aids.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

God idea for the white gloves!!

[@sarahmann3546]

Super! Following the nodding motion with the ‘opening and closing’ movements of the elbow… so clear!

[@daniellewilson1536]

You explain everything so brilliantly and the counter examples are always so enlightening! There's so many schools of thought on the internet, but I really love how the value and correctness in your explanations and demonstrations really speak for themself. Thank you for making these videos and helping riders like me who don't always have access to good trainers :)

[@samteawater7444]

Great video! This topic should get way more attention in riding classes and training etc. Following the horse's head movement with the hand to maintain even contact is SO important for riding! I see so many riders struggle, but also work with their hands too much. I think it is because a lot of riders want to have their horse's neck in the same pretty picture as the horses that have been schooled for years and years. They try to achieve that by pulling with their hands. But what results is not 'on the bit'. It's a tense arched neck which blocks the movement of the horse. True 'on the bit' starts with having active hindlegs and a soft and following rider's hand, as you explained so well here. It is so very important.

[@elleb6019]

Your explanation makes things crystal clear and easy for me to use in my riding. Thank you!

[@dianemcq64]

I love this. I just started riding again after a 36 year break (other than a few trail ride sessions) and although it’s been like riding a bike...it’s all come back quite naturally, watching helpful videos like this gives me small areas to focus on when I ride since I don’t have an instructor. This was GREAT...simply explained. Thank you!

[@Lynne2106]

This was so clear and helpful! I hope all is going well in Chicago!

[@pariahmouse7794]

Did you somehow see my lesson today, haha? I just got home, and I haven't watched this yet, I need to shower, but it is EXACTLY what I needed! I was told several times today to watch my hands, haha, among other things I tend to run out the rein and lose contact when I need it most, I can't wait to watch! You already helped my legs, keeping my knee on more has made all the difference, I wasn't gripping with my calves but they were ON constantly, like background noise I guess? Now I get a MUCH better response to leg cues, it is coming together! Hopefully THIS video will help my hands now!

[@melaniehalpin1422]

Thanks so much Amelia! Great reminders as I sometimes have “piano hands” 😳 But I also like the connection you made with having a better seat which enables you to have the proper arm and hand position. Love your clear explanations and videos! Thank you for your continued help!💖👍🏻🐴

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! A good seat really is. the key! Humans tend to do way too much with their hands when riding because everything we do in life is with our hands!!

[@t.s.taylorhatlestad3662]

I loved the “ bend straight bend straight”. That was a good puzzle piece for me. Thank you

[@jades_equestrian_life]

Could you do a video with tips for those of us with weaker legs. I can't feel mine so rely on moving my seat, shoulders and reins to push that movement (especially changing the rein)

[@momhouse5557]

Excellent we aren't getting this and you just really explained this well! Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how it goes!

[@saratylosky257]

Thanks so much for this tip! Today I really worked on having my hands straight and not piano hands and connected much better with my horse! Your visuals of you showing the correct method is so great!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad to hear it! Keep up the good work!

[@daisyclark7085]

This is such a great topic! You could do an entire clinic on this. 🙌 Posting trot and upward transitions are where I tend to lose my steadiness, so these tips are very helpful.

[@theorganick9881]

Yes very helpful following with the elbows. Thanks!

[@imeldabaligodyalcin8984]

Such clear and concise instruction! You're a lovely rider :)

[@ShawnCFarm]

Very well explained and help full. Ive been doing some of theses things for years now but I need to put it all together now

[@tinamarie8008]

Love the short to the point videos and the explanations. Thank you for these!

[@carolhill1263]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@cloverhoney6203]

Very very helpful! I watch this video and you others on the topic often!

[@annmorse8812]

Reading the comments... I realize I'm not alone in my contact issues. Video is great! Thanks for encouragement.

[@fionaallen4136]

Thank you Amelia. I too came back to English in January after 18+ years and bad habits abound! Hands due to weak seat have been a particularly rough one but interestingly 3 to 4 rides in a mechanical Hackemore made me really get a handle on my seat and now I am able to focus on my hands more.

[@jackpotcomics4315]

Thank you fot these useful tips, as usual!

[@joycewoolley9003]

Great tips! thank you Amelia, enjoy all your videos!

[@sheilabuschette7648]

Absolutely love your videos! So helpful! You are an inspiration!

[@JD7980]

You're the bomb. Fantastic rider and just basic and straight to the point . Very helpful . Love tour videos

[@marianwalhout5901]

Another great video, Amelia! My horse can be against me/bracing and I suspect I have to fix a lot with my seat & hands. This gives me something to play with. Thanks!

[@reneenowicki6859]

Super helpful! Thanks!

[@farley5005]

Thank you so much. This is what I wanted to know. I will move forward from tomorrow. You are my best tutor!

[@carynfraser5509]

I have had a few arguements with people about the leading leg for the canter. To me the LEADING leg is the outside hind, as that is the first leg of the stride. Therefore ask for the canter as the outside hind is coming through, which to me fits with what you explain in this video. I watch everything you post because you make things so easy to understand. The most effective tip I've got from you is to push through the elbows - it made such a difference to my entire upper body. Thank you.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad it's helped!

[@lillianmemark7240]

I love your videos! They are so helpful!

[@debwinkler5192]

Love your video & explanation. I am going to follow your directions. Thank you!

[@elnajensen6929]

Thank you so much Amelia, I get so much from your videos and this one in particular is very timely and very useful for me.

[@catherineramiah5559]

Such a clear explanation- thank you so much! 👏

[@ger5989]

Just adding to mine former comment. We have two horses from the riding school (leased both 100%) and have to re-learn all the specific aids. They become a little insensitive ;-), but it's realy fun to see them grow. Mine view is become a better rider and the horse will grow whith you. Doing both at the same time could create little problems that become normal because the wrong aid works and so on.

[@bamp1624]

yesssss ty Amelia this is the perfect hands video👍👍

[@ivanasambolic2669]

I just watched your video review at the strides, I practiced a dog bone - this video helped me a lot to understand how to fix my weak spots! Many, many thanks!

[@pkchateau8654]

Thank You, Amelia! I just completed all the videos in your revised Rider Position Mini Course - and I know I will revisit these videos many times because they are so helpful! I love all your descriptions and demonstrations - they really help me create visualizations in my own mind that I can carry with me into my own rides and sort of use them as mental references when I am working on centering during transitions, adjusting my reins at all the gaits, and having a soft receiving seat. I feel like you are with me in the arena while I am trying to get this. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm so glad you got value from the mini course!

[@lesleywilbourne7823]

Thank you. That’s excellent. I have just been trying to explain this to a young rider but it’s so much better having a good clear demonstration xx

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it helped!

[@LisaBohannonUTube]

Thanks, Amelia! On video I saw my hands going up and down while trotting, and was horrified! Now I understand that my elbows must have been locked, and my hands were posting with the rest of me. Hopefully I will be able to fix this now. Thank you so much!

[@martameek5558]

Thank You, Perfect explanation

[@estherthomson1367]

Really enjoyed this! Will definitely be using it in my rides. Thankyou for making the video and all the helpful tips

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dd3wc]

Thank you … that’s does help and the explanation is much appreciated! 🙌🙏

[@noelle49ful]

Thank you for your clear explanations. I appreciate how actionable your suggestions are. I have a request for a video that shows how to correctly build the neck muscle by the base of withers and not in the middle of the neck. Thank you for helping us tp be better riders and partners with our horses.

[@susanbibler4365]

Would love for you to do a video on how to gather up the reins after the free walk in a dressage test.

[@gloriakilian4390]

Brilliant excellent visuals of what I have to explain in all my lessons will share with all my students thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for sharing.

[@susanbibler4365]

Great video...very clear explanation of hand position.

[@cathyd3012]

Aww, nice cameo from Levi who is offering his moral support. I am timid about taking contact & tend to ride with my hands too low & elbows locked. Seeing your seat move forward with the horse's back & your elbows move back with your horse's head & vice versa is a helpful visual. Also, comparing that with the slight bending & straightening motion of the elbows in the posting trot helps. Thank you! Update: applied your tips during my latest riding lesson with much better results in getting & keeping my clever, evasive, Friesian lesson horse on the bit.

[@samstockbridge3989]

Really helpful thank you Amelia.

[@melaniemccallum5418]

Thank you. Beautifully demonstrated and clearly explained! Itd be lovely to do lessons with you in person...fancy a trip to Australia! ? Thanks Amelia.

[@bethhaggett]

Super helpful! Great videos. Thank you Amelia. I wasn’t ready for these when I first met you because I wasn’t riding dressage but dealing with hives and microbiome and nervous system issues but I’m finally able to focus on my riding techniques and so these videos are perfect for me! ❤❤❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad you are feeling better now and back in the saddle!

[@juliefranck8510]

The elbows! I will think about that when I ride tomorrow. Thanks Amelia!

[@minderellafox7906]

Great reminder! Love Ozzie 😍

[@22veteranflyfishing]

I love you videos I'm new to riding, I have a riding coach as a new rider I'm always looking for information on riding.

[@falizianme5846]

I'm a hands a bit high person... my piano hands are getting better especially in the double bridle... when I feel my horse brace I try to think relax your arms! Cause I know I have a bad habit of "holding" .. . Great video as always! We are all just a work in progress! Happy riding !🦄😊

[@jeanstonier2388]

That was really helpful and made sense.x

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

What is your biggest struggle with you hands?! Send me a comment and maybe I can make a video! 🐎🐎🐎

[@lenamarkovic8302]

❤️❤️❤️

[@eva-karinakesson388]

My thumb always falls in. I´m constantly trying to think of pointing it up and out so it ends up in the up right position.

[@katharinemagor3596]

I drop my inside hand around a turn. Its a 40-year habit.

[@mistico717]

Hi Amelia, I love your videos. So clear. Years ago Someone taught me to wiggle my fingers occasionally to keep my horse alert. Now I’m thinking I’m just annoying them. Can you comment on finger tension and movement? I’d like to break this habit if it’s counter-productive.

[@sybillewunsam8275]

Hands too high and locking ellbows when horse is hot and expecting a trot canter transition.

[@charlottegreen9581]

What really helped me fix my piano hands was to imagine that I was holding a mug with say coffee inside and if I turned my hands inwards to piano hands imagine that coffee spilling. My old trainer told me to do that and it has really really helped! Great video

[@cathyd3012]

Anything not to spill that first cup of coffee. 😀

[@charlottegreen9581]

Cathy D haha yes!

[@athenawilliamson1249]

That was really good thankyou

[@NoorFatima-vh1cq]

just wanna thank youuuuu

[@Lidili]

Excellent, superb amazing wonderful fascinating interesting beautiful and unbelievable video. You are riding at ease. Few days back I tried to horse riding at tourist place but I found very difficult to ride fast walk Cantor and after that I saw your video and now I am comfortable. After watching your videos I have decided to get thorough horse riding training. I thank you very much for your valuable and beautiful and pleasant video as you are riding at ease.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blondieliessa]

Excellent! Thank you!😊🐎

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you too!

[@vsop240]

thank you Amelia

[@myworldautistic670]

This is excellent.

[@bojo3744]

Excellently welland clearly explained.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you!

[@LauraCoffey12390]

Thanks!

[@julieclarke5297]

Great video very helpful and well explained

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you liked it, please consider subscribing as that helps me out a lot!

[@erynd2524]

Thank you. Very informative video 😎

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@heikepolleichtner9926]

Danke - sehr hilfreich für meine Schüler . lg.

[@bumblefuckish]

thank you great tips

[@tinyliny4ever]

Wel done. Good vid.

[@lizgarland2241]

Fab 👍 thank you 💚🍀

[@dawnmcmenamin6192]

Hi, love your expertise. Thank you! Which samshield helm do you wear please

[@nicolalambourne6782]

My hands move up and down in trot and you’ve just explained why, eureka!

[@katieheller3788]

I had a trainer that had me carry a crop in both my thumbs. I hated every second of it so I learned quick!

[@candefrontera]

You' re such great help !!!thank you so much!! The line from elbow to horse's mouth is something I'm paying attention to nowadays. Is there a sound to make transitions to go slower?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

There is a 'brrrp' sound of rolling the tongue but it's not super common.

[@seangrant6651]

Hi Amelia, Great video, you may have solved one of my problems in sitting trot . What reins are you using in this video? I like the hand stop half way up the rein.

[@imzadi83fanvids7]

Side Note: I love how the dog lays down in the horses shadow. Smart boy finding the shade. Good tips. Are there any tips on improving our seat on a school horse? I mean in a perfect situation you have your own horse and tack that fits you both, but when you're taking lessons you could be sitting on a saddle that doesn't fit you at all. Right now I'm having trouble where it seems I'm sitting on my pubic bone and it hurts. I have a seat bone saver and ordered padded under ware but am wondering if this is just because I'm not sitting on my seat bones properly or is it that the saddle isn't a good fit for me and I'm struggling to compensate.

[@alicecohen4726]

Old school seat and hands exs as a lunged rider as featured from the Spanish Riding School. Ex on lunge with no reins. Hold one hand in rider positioned in front of belly in normal rein position with the other arm hanging down as a full length with hand by the other leg at the the thigh. Swap. If unlunged, ride with reins in one hand in front of belly button height and allow the other arm to be long to the thigh. Swap after a minute. Ride these positions along a long side while looking at a verticle fence post or if you have, a short side vertical mirror. Hands and balance can often show rider asymetry. There are lots of fun exs for shoulder arm and wrist mobilization off saddle. Balance and strength of our body often is reflected while balancing our body while in fluid movement. Pilates and tai chi are also good.👍

[@sandrawheeler1521]

Really helpfull Amelia. As are all your amazing vidio's..xx I am having trouble getting my horse to take the contact?? Any ideas

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Check out my new program. It will help you: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

[@amandafrench8047]

"following elbows"... good one.

[@beateindahl8100]

Very helpful video :)

[@TheTomson2006]

Will be trying that later to day 👍

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Sonia! Hope it helps!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you’d like me to send more dressage tips into your email inbox every Wednesday, you can sign up to my mailing list www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ I’m also on FB and IG facebook.com/amelianewcombdressage & instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/ Also, and this is super helpful too, join Amelia’s Dressage Club on Facebook, it’s a really active and engaged community of riders and no question goes unanswered! facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub/ And finally, there’s my website (for when all the social media goes down again 🤣) www.amelianewcombdressage.com/

[@ger5989]

The way you give the information is realy helpfull. My kid 12 years and wife are riding. The way you ride looks incredible. Do you have exercises which you can do at home without a horse. Specific on the sit and hands exercises are realy welcome.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I have a free PDF for at home exercises! amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/get-fit-ride-better-free-pdf-download/

[@daviddobies2993]

Very helpful

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@susansturdivan-savoie4749]

very nice video. Beautiful and perfect examples of what is commonly done incorrectly. QUESTION=How does one perfect the seat? If you have not been riding the muscle memory isnt there. EXERCISES?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Good question! The best way is riding as many different horses as you can under the guidance of a good trainer. Lunge lessons can also help. Pilates for core strength and flexibility.

[@sundaisy100]

Hi Amelia how to improve the impulsiveness when riding. Thanm you

[@erinowen5999]

Thank you this video is a great visual. Amelia you have a great way of explaining and teaching. I am always trying hard to developed good hands and agree that the seat is the number one thing to have to lead to good hands. Now my struggle is, when I try sitting deep and plugged in I tend to have a driving seat (especially in canter) which makes my horse tense and hurried. Any thoughts? Thank you!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I have a great free pdf for canter, have you seen it? amelianewcombdressage.com/canter-with-confidence-o/ I think it might help you

[@bamp1624]

turning with outside reign ✌️😘

[@Jazzy-kk4sk]

Have you done a video on how to have a flat back/rotate the pelvis back? I'm having a really hard time doing this and naturally ride with a more arched and dipped back which is effecting my riding but I don't know how to retrain my body, especially in posting trot

[@alicecohen4726]

Pilates Jazzy. Pelvic tilt either way is often a result of our modern life sitting postures affecting quads or hamstrings and lumber. Unless your physical makup has a variation.

[@bamp1624]

shoulders follow (with) horses shoulders hips follow (with) horses hips💕

[@angelahamond-fenton497]

this was great Amelia! I really DO struggle with my hands and continually working to improve my seat. As one of the horses I ride is a previously dangerous individual - its more important than ever that I learn and maintain effective hand and seat. Thank you so much for these videos xx Ange from Oz

[@meretesrheim4867]

Even if I take all this on board I still struggle with the contact in the canter and end up with the inevitable loop in the reins -it probably boils down to properly following the horse’s motions with the hand/elbows but I still struggle with doing this in practice... 🧐 would love to find a way to improve this!!!

[@clairejames642]

your advice is always so helpful from DownUnder x

[@manoharsinghrajputsingh2933]

Very nice hkm 😊

[@alicecohen4726]

Love the video💕👍🌹

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you 🤗