Arm Position for Riding - Hands at the Withers?

[@Erica-B]

Thank you so much! I found myself so frustrated by instructors who refused to take my body confirmation into account when correcting my hand position. Some would have me riding with my arms almost completely straight but then tell me at the same time to stop rounding my shoulders. I feel so empowered by this video.

[@HorseClass]

So glad you found it helpful 🙂

[@danielalima894]

I habe Long Arms, and This is Always an issue for me. Thank you, your videos are really helpful to get awareness of my own posture and body!

[@lauraheinz4839]

You won't believe it, Callie, but I once had a trainer here in Germany tell me to make my elbows touch in front of my belly. Not only did that give me immense backpain, it also stiffened up my whole body and made steering the horse impossible. Your explanation, on the other hand, is - as always - nothing but plausible and helpful. Keep up the great work! 🤗

[@jennifercockrill6356]

You have such a great way of making everything make sense.

[@joannabreaks435]

Agreed she is helping me with my students so much. She is very good at verbalizing the unspoken things that people who have ridden their whole lives do but don't necessarily know how to teach.

[@happydancer4270]

Amazing video! I am definitely a too loose girl, because I don't wanna pull. Pinkies in!! Is been said a lot! So I will definitely try this!

[@CarmM-m8n]

Love the no bit bridle!! Great video :)

[@Kelly_Ben]

Thank you for this! I always rode with arms hanging at my side, forearm forming the straight line to the mouth. I took lessons last year where I kept being told to put my hands forward more, stretching my arm out a bit. I know changes, even good ones, can initially feel awkward, but it just didn't feel right.

[@heathersarchi7370]

Thank you that was helpful bc I’ve been saying this about myself. My arms are short so they always end up almost straight or worse I often felt like I was tipping forward bc past trainers wanted the “perfect bend” in my elbow.

[@-shmoopie-]

I have really short arms too! one trainer always wanted me to be able to touch the saddle pad with my pinkys... really didn't work for me!

[@ericae6822]

Thanks so much Callie for this tip! I know this will really help me break a bad habit of holding the reins too hard/with too much pressure! Thank you for the very detailed explanation…you have a wonderful teaching style that enables the viewer/rider to understand what you are explaining/demonstrating.

[@-shmoopie-]

thank you so much for this video!! I have very short arms and these tips help so much 💕

[@mdee860]

Great explanation, taking into consideration the differences in each person's anatomy! I haven't seen your "next week's video" but I always felt like my hands/reins/ contact was like having a continuous silent conversation with my horse. I "talked" to him like I like to be spoken to - quietly, relaxed & steady. I will most likely be embarrassed if I ever see that video. 😁

[@jh.equine6272]

Thank you so much! This was really helpful!

[@dennischarles4243]

You’re so pro! I wish I could ride with you soon but Corona, quarantine and lockdown 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@joannabreaks435]

What region are you in,that is some beautiful countryside! Thank you for your wise teachings. Especially helping me with my intermediate students. You have a great way of explaining the finer points of riding

[@southernsibe]

Thank you so much for another great video!

[@cm6995]

I always get told "elbows in front of your rib cage" and when I do I have the round back and stiff arms, then I get told, "Bend on the elbows!", it's sooo frustrating. Sometimes I think some instructors dont bother to see your body conformation, I have short upper limbs lol.

[@meganmcintire4651]

I hear what you're saying about it not being the exact same for every rider and horse, and that a lot of it comes down to feel, however, I know that my hands are a little too "in my lap" from the fact that I am sometimes less effective at half halting, and quieting my hands when the horse finds the correct contact. I'd love to see a video on conditioning your arm/hand position for effective riding. For example, are there any exercises you can do when not riding to help you find what is appropriate for you?

[@MohammadAsif-gj2bx]

I love your video

[@emmyprettyriver_sso]

Thank you for this advice! Your'e way better than "Amelia Newcomb Dressage"

[@tesudarshan1750]

I really love it😘😘🐴🐴🐴

[@rubyrubestan7621]

Can you do a video about different girth’s and what they’re for?