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How do you know when riding if your reigns are to loose and/or if you have too muck reign2007-11-24 21:16:00

i need to know bad!!!!

Answers:

Here's a good way to test it: When you tell the horse to stop, they should be short enough that the horse stops within 5 to 10 seconds. They should be long enough that you can pull them back to your belly button without making the horse raise its head or chomp at the bit.

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You need to learn to spell and get a trainer. Rein length varies per horse. Western horses use a looser rein.

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if you cant control your horse they are too long. i was always taught that if you can put your elbow behind you hip with the reins becoming tight, then they are too loose. if you are riding western then they are supposed to be loose. with english riding this rule applies, and you should have contact. you should not be tugging on the horses head all the time and if you are loosen your reins so that you still have contact but there is no slack in the reins. they should be a straight line to your hand.

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it varies depending upon the horse and how they respond. the reins give you control. some horses are capable of working with very relaxed reigns. some need more guidance. you need to get to know the horse.

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You should be able to feel the horse and it should feel you, but not so tight so that you are pulling on the mouth. Experiment a little and you will find the right place for you and your horse. Don't be surprised if another horse has a different sweet spot. It is OK to put a mark on the reins or maybe knot them so you don't have to find the spot each time. Soon, it will be a habit. My horse used to demand more rein by pulling, but I had to take it up again to control her. I finally knotted the reins, trying several ways until I found the comfortable one. I really wish someone had told me sooner! Good Luck!

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Your reins are too tight if your horse can totally extend his neck, and nose, and still have room. If you don't use enough, the horse will most likely carry his head a little bit higher, or a lot higher, depending upon the degree of pressure of the reins. Some horses just collect themselves and tuck their heads, so if you ride Western, you don't want that.

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You should not have to lean forward when you are holding the reins.