How to Ride With Double Reins

Hi all,
I have had a lot of questions about how to ride with double reins, so I thought I'd make a short video about it. Ellie is a 6 year old OTTB in training and available for lease when the quarantine is lifted. Ellie is more relaxed and responsive in this dutch gag bit and the dutch gag should be used with two reins, which is why I ride her with two reins! The bit determines whether or not you need two sets of reins.
If you'd like to help us out during this pandemic, I'd appreciate any and all donations, which will go to the care and upkeep of my horses. You can donate here: www.paypal.com...
Thanks for watching!
Morgan

[@Smalltownhunter]

this was very helpful! i just needed to know how to hold them in case i ever ride in a pelham/double bridle!

[@annadoll2014]

Thank you

[@The.lamya.a.a]

Why double reins ! Is there any purpose ? And when should we use double rein ?

[@arrinletourneau]

You probably know the answer already since it’s been a while since you asked. However I’ll explain: The two reins are used on horses with a bit such as a Pelham, kimberwick, double bridle, elevator, and from time-to-time seen on an Argentine. These bits all offer two points: Snaffle and Leverage. The snaffle is the one that is on most contact since it’s 1:1 pressure (2lbs of pressure feels like 2lbs on the horse’s mouth), however a leverage (“curb”) option is also available to use if a horse gets super strong for things (people don’t usually keep contact on a leverage bit because of the pressure ratio, it’s 1:however many inches the shank is multiplied by the amount of pressure, example: 2lbs of pressure applied to a 4in leverage bit is 8lbs on the horse’s mouth). The leverage allows a bit more control if needed. It is a great training tool when used properly.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

@@arrinletourneau good answer! I have to say though that while this video does show one way of holding double reins in the hand, she is not using a bit that's designed for double reins. Drives me NUTS when people use a gag bit without a gag headstall. I see it constantly and it defeats and nullifies the main purpose of a gag bit which is to apply poll pressure along with bit pressure.

[@arrinletourneau]

@@tracyjohnson5023 I didn’t even see the elevator, I thought it was a Pelham! Good observation, thank you. I totally agree. I also get a bit frustrated with that.

[@FlashySolution]

I actually agree…. It won’t make that much difference to the bit really.