How to Hold and Use Your Reins Properly

Do you know how to use your reins properly? This video shows you how to hold your reins, shorten them the RIGHT way, how to supple your horse AND has a really great trick I learned too.
#HowToHoldandUseYourReinsProperly #CorrectReinUse #RidingDressage
(FULL VIDEO DESCRIPTION BELOW LINKS)
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How to use your reins PROPERLY
I don’t know about you, but I feel it’s such a privilege that our horses let us ride them by holding long straps of leather connected to their mouths. Yes, our reins are literal lines of communication with our horses, and given the sensitive nature of the horse’s mouth, every movement we make with our hands is felt by our horses. So to avoid any confusion or miscommunicating with our horses, it’s really important to learn how to use our reins properly.
This week’s video is going to help you do just that. In it, I’ll go through how to hold them, how to shorten them, how to keep them from slipping, AND I’ll be sharing an awesome trick!
It’s really important to have a steady contact and a nice connection when we ride. We should be aware of our rein length at all times and be holding and using our reins correctly. So here are my top tips for really mastering the use of your reins:
HOW TO HOLD THEM
You should be holding your reins fed between your pinky and ring finger and then looping out between your thumb and your pointing finger.
This holding frame allows a lot of sensitivity with your hand, more than if you were holding outside the pinky.
It’s also important to make a rooftop shape with your thumb. Push down on your pointer finger to keep the reins from slipping through your hands.
It’s important to keep a straight line from your elbow to the horse’s mouth.
DON’T hold your reins with Hitchhiker’s thumbs as this will create tension in the hand and prevent you from making the subtle movements needed to supple your horse.
DONT hold your hands too high as this will break the straight line from elbow to mouth.
TO SUPPLE YOUR HORSE
While at the walk, use your inside leg to push the horse to the outside rein
With the inside wrist, make the motion as if you were scrambling eggs.
TO SHORTEN THE REINS
Shorten the inside rein first
Put both reins in the outside hand
Slide down the inside and take contact.
Repeat on the other side
It’s very important to maintain your seat and position throughout the shortening
SPECIAL TRICK!!!!
Hold a small pebble in each hand when you’re riding.
This will encourage you to keep your hands closed properly so your reins don’t slide out of your hands.
It will also bring awareness to your hands, bring a steadier contact and improve your communication with your horse.
Watch the video where I demonstrate this with Phargo (and try the rock trick yourself!). Let me know in the comments if you find it helpful.
Thanks for watching, and happy riding!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I’m doing a FREE webinar on Dressage Rider Position - hope you can join! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/rider-position-webinar-june-2022

[@lindav3747]

I have never seen anyone describe with such understandable detail, how to hold the reins. It is SO important and I love how you provide just what I need in your videos. Thank you so much!🦄💕

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@dorian4373]

That is English style riding the best love England ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MrPurrpaws]

Definitely going to try holding a rock in my hand. TQ.. loving your video..

[@emk7132]

Every single one of your videos is so informative in a very accessible way!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That's so sweet of you! Thank uou

[@earth2283]

Obsessed with your boots 😍

[@kmiklaszewski]

Keep practicing it. Having the thumbprint part of the thumb pressing on the reins to correctly hold the reins also allows a more sympathetic softer contact because it causes less tension at the base of the thumb and the entire hand and wrist, even if you have to press down a little harder with the thumbprint area. Having flat straight thumb automatically causes tension in the hands and it can start to travel up the arm and down the rein and it can cause the hands to fatigue which causes the rider to adjust and fiddle with the hands. Same thing goes for open or spread fingers that some riders think is a softer or lighter contact but it causes stiffness in the hands and can travel up the arm. Fingers lightly curled around the reins with fingertips touching the palm of the hand lightly.

[@giselelucatto1841]

Dear Amelia despite I practice Jumping you have been inspiring me a lot ! Now I practice jumping 3 times a week but started dressage once a week. I really loved the class and would like to thank your tips, messages and knowledge !! You really inspire horse people all around the world ! Thanks a lot ! Sincerely 🥰😊🐴🇧🇷Gisele

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Dressage will help your jumping!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Gisele, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@sheliamontrond6836]

Thank you for explaining things so everyone can understand.❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank YOU for watching! Happy riding! 😊🐴

[@dawnstoker2258]

I've been focusing so much on my seat that I didn't realize that i didnt know, in such detail, exactly how I was supposed to hold my hands and reins. Thank you, Amelia!

[@bethjenkins4204]

Loved the rock idea! I am going to give it a try!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! If you feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear how it goes!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also Beth, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@cindynoble2037]

Thank you Amelia. Always good to review the basics🐴💕

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yes! For sure!!

[@fatima8798]

Super amazing tips❤

[@carolburt5683]

The type of reins you use is helpful

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

i LOVE the rubber ones :)

[@wendylow5748]

Super nice horse! Liked this video a lot.Going to try the rock thing!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you, he's lovely. Let me know how it goes! I would love to hear an update if you feel comfortable sharing.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also Wendy, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@lyndaburch9381]

Do you have any suggestions for those of us who have arthritis in our fingers…?😊

[@calista1280]

Use a good quality Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate supplement as well as Omega 3 oils ie Flaxseed or Fish oils. They help lubricate the joints. Use warm moist compresses or warm water in a basin, before riding and flex and bend your fingers wrist, elbows, hips and knees before and during breaks while riding. Hope this helps, I find it helps keep movement less painful and doing bending and stretching, like TaiChi or gentle Yoga thruout every day helps keep me mobile.

[@marykayehession2668]

If your thumbs can no longer bend into the "little houses" shape, you can still secure your reins by pressing down on them with the underside of the thumbs. It's not as elegant-looking, but it works.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

HI Lynda! if you’re free today and want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics at 12pm PST Today! Even if you can't make it, click the link and we'll send you the recording after. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@hellilak]

I love revisiting the basics! It is so easy to forget small details. I always learn something new watching your videos. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That makes me so happy to hear! Please consider subscribing as that helps me out a lot.

[@susanmiller2639]

Love your "mission" and your generosity is so appreciated. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome! Thank you for being here!

[@jackiefosteryates1975]

This is SO helpful! I have been struggling with this exact issue for a super long time, and was getting so frustrated. THANK YOU!! ❤️

[@user-ns1jq8mc3g]

I’ve always had annoying hands and I’ve tried everything to stop it. Only today did I manage to solve the problem by creating a tent shape with my thumbs as you described. NO-ONE ever showed me this I have always laid my thumbs flat which caused my wrist to raise. Thank you so so much. Something so simple has corrected my hand position. ❤❤❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad this helped you! Thank you for being here!

[@brendahughes1966]

Very helpful!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susie7035]

Thanks Amelia! So timely , I struggle with hands and a steady contact. 🤦‍♀️⭐️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're welcome Susie! Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@tarakean2756]

I like the roof top description 👌 I am one of those people who tend to loose my rein length. My thumb is over my rein but just flat, I will give this a go. Thank you

[@kmiklaszewski]

Keep practicing it. Having the thumbprint part of the thumb pressing on the reins to correctly hold the reins also allows a more sympathetic softer contact because it causes less tension at the base of the thumb and the entire hand and wrist, even if you have to press down a little harder with the thumbprint area. Having flat straight thumb automatically causes tension in the hands and it can start to travel up the arm and down the rein and it can cause the hands to fatigue which causes the rider to adjust and fiddle with the hands. Same thing goes for open or spread fingers that some riders think is a softer or lighter contact but it causes stiffness in the hands and can travel up the arm. Fingers lightly curled around the reins with fingertips touching the palm of the hand lightly.

[@JenichM]

Thanks a lot, Amelia!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are welcome!! I’m doing a FREE webinar on Dressage Rider Position - hope you can join! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/rider-position-webinar-june-2022

[@liswinkel2942]

Great explanation and video. Will practise shortening reins your way next ride. Thank you so much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Liz, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@bernicehearn6261]

Really clear video - thank you - will try tips this week

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also Bernice, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@alicepotter8165]

This is a fantastic basic leson.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! I’m doing a FREE webinar on Dressage Rider Position - hope you can join!

[@annieoakley5075]

Will try the Little Rocks 🪨 today.

[@judysorensen465]

Excellent . Loved this video. Graceful and grateful for the lesson.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soniagamache7925]

I have a lot of trouble maintaining and regathering my reins. Arthritis makes it harder but I still try to hold as required Thanks for the video!

[@christysteinert1088]

I learned a couple new things thank you

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Awesome! I’m doing a FREE webinar on Dressage Rider Position - hope you can join!

[@charlottehanly1748]

Ah thank you its finally clear!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it helped!

[@kayceadair]

Thank you so much! I’m working towards beginning jumping and have an issue when holding reins. When I started English riding I was trained on double reins before trained in a single reins, so i was used to having all of my hands busy. It’s a big adjustment and im having issues with it (specifically my hands coming apart and all over the reins) currently so this is what I needed. Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That can be a big change, glad this helped!

[@elnajensen6929]

Thank you so much Amelia, as always so informative and valuable.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@vickiosgood7182]

Hi Amelia and team, I didn’t know about that little bend in your thumb! When I rode my hand and wrist did feel looser. Hmm, the Little Rock’s think mine were a bit too big I had to clench them to not drop them! Lovely horse! Vick from Oz.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Vicki, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@Beag1710]

Yes the thumb bend new to me too. Tried it today, it did help with keeping more consistency in the contact from me. Quick question though, when carrying a schooling whip do you press onto the top of that which then squishes the rein to your fingers? Or should your thumb still come across the top and sit on the rein going over your finger?

[@gulbaghkhara]

Thanks

[@danakiami7000]

Thankyou so much for the video 😍

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

My pleasure 😊

[@anniebroad3632]

As always a fantastic video, I have a terrible habit of letting the reins slip through my fingers, I am off to find some pebbles. Thank you for all your videos, they are all so imformative. I even visualize your position when I am riding :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know how it goes!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Annie, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@thatbitchonthehorse5303]

Super helpful as always, Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

Congratulations lady Amelia ❤️

[@romysmiley7779]

I don't do horse riding, but i'm planning on going to a lesson soon, wich means i don't have reins/ a bridle to practice on how to hold them, i use a strap from a small purse i have, it's leather so it feels quite the same!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great idea, that's perfect!

[@suzanneedwards1492]

Oh no, I’m a hitchhiker!!! Thank you for all the great tips !

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Happy to help!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@melodyko4533]

Thank u☺️I think I always want to keep shorter reins so tend to lean forward😅 becuz I think she moves her head or pull my hands to get my reins longer so I want to keep it short. But it cause unstable seat and unstable upper arms.

[@thesewingequestrian382]

Thank you son much! I’m going to work on the roof top thumbs:))

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad to help

[@jenelresh3030]

Thanks!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're welcome Jenel, thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! Also, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@Lilyequestrain]

He / she is drooling so funny🤣😂🤣😂

[@susancroft3906]

Will try the rocks. I have a problem with slipping reins

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Let me know how it goes! I would love to hear.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also Susan, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@jesmith0107]

I noticed that you keep the top edge of the rein toward the horse. Is there a benefit to that? I’ve always had the top edge “pointing” out - just habit, not for any particular reason.

[@debbieshoup5672]

This is so helpful, thank you so much! Question: how do you know if you have a good straight line from your elbow to the horse’s mouth? I am following the tips in this video, but how can I tell if I’m a little to low or high if I can’t see the full line! Thanks :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Video and photos of yourself riding can be super helpful with this! Have you seen my 30 Days to Round challenge? Would love to have you join us! amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/

[@Truther44]

thanks for video's, I have an issue with tension in my shoulders and stiff elbows which my instructor keeps trying to get me to loosen up, but seems like I'm not! can you help me address this issue?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That's a great question! I'm hosting a free rider position webinar where we'll be going over questions just like this. You can sign up here: bit.ly/3LqMFLX

[@jenelresh3030]

Can you recommend a comfy Bridle and reins? Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Jenel, if you’re free today and want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics at 12pm PST Today! Even if you can't make it, click the link and we'll send you the recording after. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@amandakinneard1225]

Mind blown! I always just pressed my thumb into my index finger and my reins slip all the time! I'm going to try pressing down with my thumb and see if it helps keep my reins the right length.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

hehe happy to help! Let me know how it goes.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also Amanda, if you want help getting your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, come to my FREE webinar on Rider Position and Biomechanics on June 5th. bit.ly/3sJTa5R

[@jasmineabsolute2332]

Great video…I’m always loosening my reins! but I have two questions. 1) Coming from a western background I am really struggling with the whole idea of contact. I have a mustang someone basically gave up on and gave to me so even though he’s somewhat saddle broke he has no idea how to carry a rider. So I buy into the whole dressage thing of shaping a horse and rounding his back. What I can’t get is holding the horses head in that unnatural arch, thst is “0n the bit”. He really resists that. Thus I tend to loosen the rein so he seems more comfortable And 2) Between any two points you can draw a straight line so no matter where you’re elbows are you can always draw a straight line to his mouth. Is there another way to describe that?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You want to have a straight line from the elbow to the hand to the mouth. Hope that helps you!

[@pkayten]

My thumbs are in a kind of permanent rooftop position because of arthritis - maybe that's a good thing!!

[@mdnasiruddinansari1938]

Hourse ko Cantor ke liye camand kaise Dena hai?

[@mdnasiruddinansari1938]

Ek video banaiye

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I'm sorry, auto-translate isn't working. I can't read your comment :(

[@jenelresh3030]

My poor trainer is always telling me "shorten your reins". For years, before I met my wonderful trainer, I was taught to "GET OUT OF YOUR HORSES MOUTH!!" and it is very hard to get that out of my head.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That can be confusing when you're being told to do things without understanding the 'why'.

[@suzannereed6404]

I think I'll try grapes instead of rocks so I don't clench my fists. Maybe that will help me find a happy medium.

[@josuecenturiondomaniczky9297]

I feel to uncomfortable without holding on to the saddle or the horse’s hair with one hand

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That's ok! It takes time to develop your core and confidence. Riding is a lifelong journey!

[@spiridoulaathanasopoulou9244]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏♉

[@LeeBertgess]

arrrrgh I keep my thumb in hitchhiker mode! I must bend it... maybe I'll make a cuff of some sort to help keep them bent... hmm....

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

We all have faults! Keep working on them!