How to Use Your Reins

Want to know exactly what you should be doing with your reins while we are doing most of the riding with our seat and legs? This video takes you exactly how you should be using your reins to support the rest of our riding!!
#HowToUseTheReins #Reins #LegIntoRein
(FULL VIDEO DESCRIPTION BELOW LINKS)
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As humans, we're are programmed to do everything with our hands, in fact our dexterity is one of the things that sets us apart as a species! But as riders, we're expected to lead with our seat and legs, and this is a tough thing to condition to our hand-centric thinking!
The ratio of aids being carried out by the seat & legs vs the hands should be about 75/25 (in favour of the seat and legs of course!)
However, what we DO do with our hands is incredibly important to master and execute delicately, as we’re dealing with the horse’s mouth and we want to be as effective and light with our touch as possible!
This week’s video takes you through exactly what you should be doing with your hands in these three situations.
1. Steering
2. Accepting contact
3. Supporting a half-halt
1. Turning Aids
The reins play a role in the turning of the horse, but not in the way that we initially think. Most people especially at the start, will just pull on the inside rein, but that will just cause the horse to overbend to the inside and fall out the shoulder.
The inside rein INDICATES the turn by using the fingers or just opening the rein slightly. The outside rein is the one that executes the turn by being closed fully. Don’t let the outside rein cross over the neck as this is an indirect rein aid and will completely skew the horse's position!
2. Establishing and accepting the contact.
There are three types of contact when we are riding our horses.
- We start with a neutral contact that just follows the horse. This goes with the horse’s natural head motion and we stay flexible through our elbows.
- From here we can take a “resisting” contact. This start in the upper back, armpits, and elbows. This will cause your horse to slow down or stop.
- The third option is a “giving” contact. This will test your horse’s self carriage. Or in another instance you can have a giving contact that is asking for the horse to seek forward and stretch.
3. The Half-Halt
It’s important to note that when you take a resisting contact to collect or do a half-halt you should always give the leg and seat aids first, or else they will just break the gait! The sequence is leg, seat THEN hand!
Watch the video where I demonstrate these concepts on Mercurio in all the gaits and let me know in the comments if you find them helpful!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Check out our mini course on ride position! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/

[@candefrontera]

Mercurio is so beautiful !!!!!!¡

[@CDN_Bookmouse]

OML I wish I'd had this video when I got back to riding and my instructor told me to turn with my outside rein and I was like "u WOT???!" It took me forever to get it--and why it's better. This explained and demonstrated everything really well.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So happy to hear that this helped you! This is why I make these videos.

[@jihanehomman-ludiye2710]

Super useful and clear! You make it look so easy!!❤

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad this helped!

[@janefelber4052]

Excellent nuances to improve ride

[@readwriteteach]

Ms. Newcomb, your elbows are consistently among the most effective I've seen in 50-plus years of riding. I could watch an entire episode, heck a series, on that key link between our center/seat and our rein aids.

[@epona9166]

Hi Amelia, I hear the words "outside rein executes the turn" but I don't see what that means. What do you do with your outside rein to execute the turn? If I had to guess I'd say no slack in the rein and lean it against the horse's neck. Is that it? Or is there more to it? Thank you.

[@sarahchandler4439]

It means that arm forms a stable 90^0 . You are preventing the horse from being able to turn in that way. Try her method with one arm and the horse will turn the way it wants. But when you create the angle its creating a wall and stability your horse and saying we go this way. Just keep your hands at the same level

[@natashaslade4534]

This is EXACTLY the question I have! Would be keen to hear answer 😊. Love the videos xx

[@mirandy1014]

I’d like to know too!

[@DarylTaylot1]

Dear Amelia, I am heartbroken to hear this. I know with your determination you will get better!! I personally have been through breast cancer and a total hysterectomy for cancer, knee surgery and now battling SI pain. I never stopped riding, except when the doctors made me. Riding is what gave me determination to physically get better. Of course I am blessed, like you, to have loving family and friends to help. My faith and prayers is what kept me going and I will certainly will be praying for you. Just like you we have to me our own advocate when it comes to the medical field and you have been and keep it up! You will be fine!! Thanks for all you do for us amateurs in the dressage community, we need you. God bless you, Dana Taylor

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you for sharing Daryl!

[@myworldautistic6839]

this video was excellent

[@lindav3747]

*The way you described resisting contact as starting in your upper back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@leslierainey4858]

You are so good at describing and showing what we need to do...now we have to go do it! Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@rebeccacavanaugh1994]

Thank you!

[@midllifecrisis50pluss20]

Great advice as always ❤

[@edconnelly9015]

Leg, seat, hands-very helpful!

[@lindav3747]

🌸YES this does help. This for me was the BEST explanation of connection - leg, to seat and then to hand. My big fault has been on using my hands [even gently] FIRST and it only serves to block his forward motion. It just kind of sank in with this video for some reason. Yay. No matter if I think my hands are soft/gentle....they have to be the LAST in the sequence. Leg, to seat to hand. That's ONE of my biggest takeaways from this one. Thank you!

[@chandorequestrian]

Love this!

[@barbstrona1]

Excited

[@Ann-tq3gt]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@tracyjayneallen7929]

Thanks for explaining this so well. 😊

[@debbiedodd9270]

Thank you that was very helpful

[@kristidh]

Super helpful!!!! Thank you for this video.

[@ccr7187]

super helpful thank you!

[@afsaneharman4435]

Love youtube videos, you always bring out things others miss.

[@chrisschmidt3932]

Helpful.

[@karenharvey112]

Brilliant video 🙌🙌🙌

[@leec5170]

What a nice ride!

[@Lynne2106]

This is so helpful because you break it down to the steps. Thanks!

[@patstouter8309]

Your videos are always helpful

[@Faska_]

Super interesting and what a cool horse!

[@philippcheyne9987]

Excellent explanation Amelia, thanks so much

[@mailitedd185]

This video is awesome. I love how you explain things. It really helps me understand

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Awesome, thank you!

[@rscanniff]

you are great instructor

[@rachelmacgowan86]

Excellent, thank you very much, very clear and important tips

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharonperkins448]

This is a huge help!! Thank you Amelia!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're very welcome sharon!

[@CJacobson3932]

The analogy of the blinkers is brilliant! Thanks Amelia!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

yay!

[@biscuit1230]

This video just changed my life!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

awww you are too kind! I'm so glad it helped you!

[@frokenss]

Thank you so much for doing this video. Like you responded to some of my other comments by making this video 🙏 very helpful. Can you do a video on how to go from shoulder in to circle/or from the fench to circle to shoulder in and back to circle. The difference in aids. Hope it makes sense the precision in aids when doing should in or circle.

[@nadajohnson4561]

Well explained, very good thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

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

[@alisalarson4196]

Wow mind blown 🤯! My fav video you’ve done and answers SO many questions!! The blinker analogy to “indicate” will change my riding completely! Thank you!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! Glad to hear it was helpful!!

[@janeogden1953]

Thanks so much for a really helpful explanation. 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You are so welcome!

[@karenbillard337]

Very well explained.. thank you :) love watching your videos learn a lot from them :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That is so kind of you to say. Thank you.

[@piakivisto3617]

Escellent reminder and very clearly explained, thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annylin085]

This video really helps a lot. Thank you very much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're very welcome!

[@mathildeilssvart1945]

So perfect! Very well explained. It helped a lot😁

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

I’m so glad!

[@tracyblack1305]

Thank you your videos have helped me so much, keep up the great work

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

We have a great webinar coming up! Don't miss it: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/free-goal-setting-webinar-save-your-seat/

[@andrea0307]

Great explanation Amelia and beautiful horse! Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate this, so so helpful! ❤️🐴🥕🍎❤️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you for taking the time to tell me you enjoyed it! Makes me so happy to hear.

[@amanda7263]

You’re just the best and have such a great teacher attitude, Amelia! Thanks for what you do! 🥰

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you so much!

[@Akinney613]

Great video as usual Amelia. You're the absolute BEST at explaining as you ride! And as an aside, I'm always happy to see Mercurio representing the Iberian breeds. ❤️.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay!! Glad it was helpful!

[@kelliec8697]

Thank you for a really helpful explanation and illustration of using outside rein to turn

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@venuste]

This is a super clear and informative video. Solve many questions in me. Love it, and thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you for watching!

[@ilsemarx8094]

Thanks soooo much! You're the best, wish you were my coach!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Ahh you're too kind! Consider joining my Academy- it's like having a workshop with me each month. courses.ameliasdressageacademy.com/p/ameliasdressageacademy2

[@infernafirestein]

Love this explanation! Thanks Amelia. ❤️

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thank you Michelle and thanks for watching.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, I’m giving a free webinar on Show Season at the start of may you can sign up here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/show-season/ Also, if you want a free mini course to get your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, take my free rider position mini course here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/? Do you love my content? I’d love if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review 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! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@jett888]

I love your beautiful baby under you. The rein info is what I've used as well- I think of it as the Open Door- The horse will move towards the open door- as you close the rein (on the outside neck) the horse will move away from that. (same with shoulders/legs/etc) I would prefer to see a more quiet leg because I feel like it's harassing if we keep asking for forward movement by banging on the horses sides. (even though it's soft- horses are so sensitive and sometimes I think we over ask) We've asked once to go forward- when they give us what we ask for, stop asking so much (don't be a nag ha ha) I would love to see less collection/flexion in his neck- in the canter, and his chin not so close to the neck/behind vertical- as he seems so restricted and controlled in his movement. But that's just my own personal thought- And I'd love to see the nose band removed. It seems so restrictive. I know it serves the purpose to not allow avoidance of the bit- but then consider dumping the bit altogether. But these are just my thoughts and I don't compete in dressage- but our horses are our partners and allowing a fair relationship we will reap the benefits. nice information- you guys are beautiful. Amelia, I see in a comment below by DarylTaylot1 about breast cancer please contact me- as I have done much research since 2003 regarding what they call "cancer" I have worked with hundreds of people who have had cancer, and even dealt w my own stage lV- after walking out my doctors doors, refusing their "treatment" I was cancer free in less than 3 months- so I have information I'd love to share w/ you- and hopefully you could share it with others as well. please let me help, please connect. (not selling anything- free information)

[@JD7980]

Very helpful as always! Thank you, Amelia. Your videos have helped me so much starting and training my 4 year old PRE that I got at 2 1/2 he just turned 4 February

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

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

[@Kk-ln1nm]

WOW, I am a new rider and have been struggling with this topic you totally cleared it up with how you presented it. Thank You So Much!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad it helped you! Please consider subscribing for more helpful tips.

[@lisaburnett6547]

Thank you! so beautifully explained. Can't wait to ride today and implement your ideas!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

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

[@lisaburnett6547]

ThankS. Wondering if you tape the webinar? My riding lesson is right at the same time you're offering the webinar.

[@kellyerobinson7813]

Sooooo helpful! Thank you This is exactly what I needed today!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

So glad to help you Kellye!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, I’m giving a free webinar on Show Season at the start of may you can sign up here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/show-season/ Also, if you want a free mini course to get your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, take my free rider position mini course here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/? Do you love my content? I’d love if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review 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! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@terriwallace5188]

Amelia you are amazing at relaying what your teaching. Wish you were here in Colorado but your online is great. Watching everything on you I can. Rein position and length is so important. Finally got Alii to Canter with me again. I hope to keep him going. Thanks., Terri r. Wallace

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Terri, So glad the videos are helping you! My mom is in Colorado, sometimes I do clinics when I visit home. Be sure to subscribe to my email list to be notified if I'm in your area!

[@wandafarran8388]

This is the most helpful lesson on using the reins that I have come across. I have been seeking a description like this for a very long time. Many thanks!!!!!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing! I love hearing if my videos are helpful or not. I would love it if you subscribed :)

[@rachelmacgowan86]

Agree wholeheartedly. It will help us to be more subtle riders

[@mimileggett7154]

Good explanation, Amelia! Thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

You're so welcome!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Mimi, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! I'm really glad you found the explanation helpful! ///// I'm not sure if you know this but, I've been lucky enough to qualify BOTH of my horses (Harvey and Kensington) to compete in the Dressage Festival of Champions in Chicago, if you are willing and able, even the tiniest donation to my GoFundMe would make a massive difference. You can read more and, (but only if you'd like to and have the capacity!) donate below! gofund.me/2989323b Also, you can sign up to get my weekly dressage tips sent to your email here! www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Finally, if you love my content, I’d LOVE it if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review Thanks so much for being on my page! I appreciate it so much! 😀

[@heatherlea5411]

Great visual, the drawing of long arm to bit. Very helpful for me.

[@elindavies3764]

Same here! Great video, as usual Amelia, thanks very much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

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

[@jmaviatrix]

Thank you so much for your wonderful explanations of how to achieve better riding skills. I have a long way to go with and your explanations will help my horse and me get there.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Keep going! You got this!

[@jeanneholt3322]

This was by far the best explanation of how to use the rein’s I’ve ever heard! Really an excellent video, thank you!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

That's so kind of you to say! Thank you

[@kbrollins77]

Outstanding overview, with helpful demonstrations! Here's a question: what does "self-carriage" really mean? We hear it all the time. It's probably covered pretty well in USEF/USDF judging definitions -- but still.....

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Kathy, Great question. Your horse is in self carriage when he is carrying himself without support from you. Ideally we want to see that he is lifting his back, engaging his core, and is straight and in balance.

[@kristenapple7496]

Great concepts here! Thank you! Just wish he wasn’t behind the vertical so much.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Horses have to develop strength to carry themselves, and he is learning to do that. I am not advocating BTV riding, I am, however, teaching a young horse and a frame-by-frame analysis won't be perfect when they're learning. If you continue to follow his development, you will see that he is pushing from behind into soft reins that encourage him reaching to the bit and never being pulled backward to it.

[@mehmoodulhassanawan1943]

❤

[@afaaafoo4294]

Thanks the idea is good if not it will be a fake one! The hope still high ...no power without control

[@carolorwig5788]

It's almost like the directional initial rein aid is a little half halt.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

A little yes, but remember it's also inside leg!

[@craigrobelen8470]

The rein on the outside of the turn was very informative and new for me. Thank you! At our ranch we ride with bitless bridles. Do you have any teaching regarding any difference in technique when using a bitless Bridle. We use Dr Cooke bridles.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Glad you found it helpful Craig! I don't use many btiless bridles at the moment but the technique remains the same unless you are neck reining obviously. I cannot speak to the exact bridle though as many of them differ!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Also, I’m giving a free webinar on Show Season at the start of may you can sign up here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/show-season/ Also, if you want a free mini course to get your position in the strongest shape to execute your dressage aids, take my free rider position mini course here www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/riderpositionminicourse/? Do you love my content? I’d love if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review 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! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/ And you can also sign up here for weekly dressage tips sent to your inbox www.ameliasdressageacademy.com/subscribe/ Ok that’s the lot I promise. Have an awesome day! 🐴

[@teresawort9124]

Oh wow !... This is how I turn my horse...it was the only way that he understood what I was asking.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Teresa, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! I'm hosting a FREE webinar on contact and connection that will really help you level up your performance and connection with your horse! You can sign up here! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/free-webinar-contact-and-connection Finally, if you love my content, I’d LOVE it if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review Thanks so much for being on my page! I appreciate it so much! 😀

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks for watching Teresa, and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content! I'm hosting a FREE webinar on contact and connection that will really help you level up your performance and connection with your horse! You can sign up here! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/free-webinar-contact-and-connection Finally, if you love my content, I’d LOVE it if you left me a review on google! g.page/r/CYIGmCINXFOQEAo/review Thanks so much for being on my page! I appreciate it so much! 😀

[@biancasimonevisagie8750]

Hi Amelia, I love watching your videos. Learning so much from them! I’m a beginner rider and would love to know how I can access your free mini courses? Thanks.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hey Bianca! Great to have you here! This is the link, if you click the full access, you'll get all of them straight to your inbox! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/giving-back-now-and-always-black-friday-2022/

[@biancasimonevisagie8750]

Thank you Amelia.

[@orsolyafrank573]

Dear Amelia, this is very useful, but what I am really struggling to understand (and I am sure I am one of a million) is how you attain that your horse is almost automatically rounded, on the bit, leaning nicely into the contact... So many people say so many things, and yet I cannot consistently get my horse into this round, steady leaning position. It would be SUPER SUPER useful if you explained how you achieve that.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Give yourself some time and remember to breathe! It will get better!

[@naunettemartin7450]

I'm doing so good with my horse and I'm doing so good on my ride ing my horse and my and I are doing so good Nannette

[@mirandy1014]

Also it would be great to see the techniques getting a not so well trained horse on the bit!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

In our Strides program we do reviews for amateur students and their horses in office hours. Put your name on the list to be notified when the program opens for enrolment again. amelianewcombdressage.com/strides/

[@user-qx7nw1ge2d]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@laravazquez8593]

Great video! How can you use the seat to slow down a horse that runs towards the jump and doesn’t respond to the reins? Thanks!

[@Ann-tq3gt]

I'm not an expert but very useful can be back with this horse to some dressage basic lessons. Everything to show him how to stop and do down transitions from resisting seat, with very light aids from hands. It's again: dressage is a base for every other discipline ( not for west ofc 🙂). There is no bridle in this world which can stop cantering horse. We can do this only by repeating lessons, showing how to cooperate with our seat but without any jumping at the some time. And half halt before any task or transitions. It's again dressage lessons.

[@laravazquez8593]

@@Ann-tq3gt thank you so much!! I’ll try on my next ride 😊

[@alicecohen4726]

Anxiety to clear the fence perhaps. Instinct may describe taking more steps in between e.g. relax the demands; try lower heights, space the jumps or make it easy to relax after achievable goals with praise for signs of relaxation. Breathing out before riting the take off and relax in sinc as a reward on landing. Perhaps return to a pole before the jump ridden with a goal to reward for one jump in sinc with breathing together then reward on relaxation response. Even walk away and dismount returning horse to their paddock in short positive response sessions. Gradually increase elements but only if relaxation is achieved. Training relaxation is a skill. Check for pain. Cheers, State of mind is everything 😊👍🌹💕

[@laurameyer2300]

Very helpful, but what does "execute the turn" mean (in reference to the outside rein)?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi Laura, Great question. Your outside rein helps you turn by giving half halts and helping to guide the outside shoulder around the turn. Hope that helps!

[@unicorny9081]

How do I get the course again?

[@charlesdusautoy6637]

I understand from what you demonstrated how the inside rein "indicates" the turn, you explained that nicely. But apart from how not to cross over the wither, exactly how is the outside reign supposed to "execute" the turn?

[@GFSTaylor]

That was unclear to me, too. The books I've read speak about using diagonal aids, so inside rein and outside leg, to create a fluid turn, not about using inside and outside rein, other than giving a little with the outside rein to allow the horse to flex.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

The outside rein stays near the withers on the outside of the neck and you also support the turn with the outside upper thigh and leg

[@stephpeikert]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage But what exactly is the outside rein doing to execute the turn? It is unclear, and it is hard to see this in the video because it is happening on the other side of the horse. Is the rein laying against the horse's neck? are you pulling it back? moving it sideways? We can't see what is happening. A video from a GoPro showing your point of view would be really helpful in this way, because otherwise we can't see what you are doing with your hand and the outside rein.

[@dawnmilligan883]

When turning left … I think she closes her fingers on the outside right rein after indicating first with the left by opening and closing her pinky finger on the rein aka “blinker” and of course … first… with her leg and seat she is letting her horse know to make the turn. Recently I have just learned this concept and it’s pretty frustrating to retrain your brain but my horse is much better and he understands it better than just pulling on the rein to turn one way or the other. I don’t know why trainers aren’t taking the time to teach this but thankful that my new trainer does. It’s a game changer.

[@mirandy1014]

When you were half halting while collecting was it on the inside or outside rein?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Outside rein

[@juliepointer6775]

How do you teach an OTTB to respond to slowing down with rein aids at the canter? My OTTB greenie is a great listener at the walk and trot but severely braces against the bit and reins at the canter and it takes a hugely exaggerated seat to get him to stop. I know that’s what he was trained to do on the track, but what are some suggestions to retrain the bracing? He tunes out and does not respond to half halt at the canter either. His canter starts out fast, is strung out and not very balanced. It eventually becomes somewhat rideable but never collected and turns are hella dodgy. I either have to ride the canter until he wants to stop or basically do a backbend in the saddle and grind my tailbone into him to transition him back down. Kinda takes the fun out of the canter when it’s always so taxing. I ride in a shared arena with small kids and I’m worried I’m going to mow them down without any brakes or proper canter turns. Would LOVE help from you or anyone reading this message:)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hey Julie, Half-halts are your key to success! Check out this video of a student of mine riding her OTTB and this one on half halts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWjclYWolN2DkNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/nauolp-QfL2rh9E

[@kidstrains1061]

Are we doing half half with outside rein ? Please I need to know 😩😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hi, Yes, after you use your seat and leg to give a half halt, you can give a little squeeze, or several, with your outside rein if needed. This video might also be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b36TZIptgbtnZ7s

[@barbstrona1]

Seat…. How do you collect with your seat? I understand legs and reins, but I am struggling with my seat. Turning the saddle does work for making a turn. I don’t know what is happening, but when I think that, the horse turns!

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

HI Barbara, 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

[@naunettemartin7450]

I'm doing real good with my horse Nannette

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Yay! Glad to hear this!!

[@naunettemartin7450]

@@AmeliaNewcombDressage you are welcome Nannette

[@Rinzessinea]

I struggle to understand how the "right hand executes the left turn". I feel like I need a dummie explanation on exactly what to do with my hand. Do you have a tip here? 😊

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Great question! Check out this video - it will help: amelianewcombdressage.com/dressage-training/turn-the-saddle-not-the-bridle/

[@valeriesanterre6175]

What about double reins? Or using draw reins with regular reins?

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

THanks Valerie, this is a great suggestion and I've added it to my list for future videos! thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of my new weekly content!

[@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

[@caitlinbabin3301]

while you are using the reins to turn you are also using the inside leg at the same time right?

[@Akinney613]

Yes. Our inside leg at girth maintains the bend and the balance... so our horse doesn't "fall" through shoulder to inside. Helps if we always remember that we turn with the outside aids. ☺️

[@caitlinbabin3301]

@@Akinney613 thank you !

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

yes !

[@aliciaholte2525]

Would love it if you could mention the bread of horse you are on in your videos. :)

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

This is a warmblood!

[@everttrogers4404]

I couldn’t stand the voice past hi.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Hey there! No need for you to watch then :) have a lovely day.

[@Agoddamnbetch]

The more videos I watch the more I think I need a new trainer.

[@unamulcahy2834]

Very simply and effectively explained.

[@AmeliaNewcombDressage]

Thanks Una! And thanks for watching !

[@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