[Horsez]

I feel dumb for asking this, but how do you properly use double-reins? I am a hunter rider and most horses at my school barn don't use double-reins. There is this one horse named Skye I want to ride and he has double reins. I don't want to feel embarrassed when I drop them or something, because I know I will. Can someone please show me a picture on how to hold them properly and tell me how to use them?

Thank you.

[ponyz]

Originally Posted by Horsez

I feel dumb for asking this, but how do you properly use double-reins? I am a hunter rider and most horses at my school barn don't use double-reins. There is this one horse named Skye I want to ride and he has double reins. I don't want to feel embarrassed when I drop them or something, because I know I will. Can someone please show me a picture on how to hold them properly and tell me how to use them?

Thank you.

LOL!!!

[Moostang]

If you don't know how to use them, then just ride with the rein connected to the snaffle part. The curb from what I understand if more of used for upper level dressage. It helps to give more advanced commands to the horse.

[Horsez]

Originally Posted by Moostang

If you don't know how to use them, then just ride with the rein connected to the snaffle part. The curb from what I understand if more of used for upper level dressage. It helps to give more advanced commands to the horse.

Thanks for your help.

But they won't allow me. It's a strict school barn.

[Haas Horse Farm]

Double Bridles

Who invented the double reins?

[Jrchloe]

You could practice using the double reins with just one bit. While the goal is different saddle seat riders train in a snaffle with 2 reins one as "the snaffle rein" and the one that runs through the martingale as your "curb". Since its not as severe as an actual double bridle it teaches the rider and horse how to use it because you have to ask a lot more than you would in a double bridle.

Here are a few pictures of holding 2 sets of reins: http://regaljada.tripod.com/saddlese...tion/id23.html and how to address them (scroll down under cloverleaf pattern): http://regaljada.tripod.com/saddlese...ation/id9.html.

[JBandRio]

That's one way.

The other way is to reverse the reins so that the snaffle rein is in the normal position (coming up between your pinky and ring fingers) and the curb rein is on the outside of your pinky finger. That's the way I prefer, so that I can use my pinky finger to activate the curb rein if I need do.

It's safer to loosen the curb rein (the skinny and/or plain rein) so that it never comes into play (but isn't flapping either) so that you're only actually using the snaffle rein, until you get comfortable holding the two.

there are quite a few other ways, but the above is the most "normal" for the average discipline
there's the "2 and 2" where you hold 2 reins in 2 hands, the "3 and 1" where the snaffle rein is held in each hand, but both curb reins in one hand, and the Fillis method where the snaffle is held like a driving rein, and the curb rein comes under the pinky finger.

[Horsez]

Thank you all for your wonderful help.

[ARMwins]

i am sure steph will show you i know how but its hard to explain by typing

[Horsez]

Yes she will. She doesn't really know my riding ability though. She wants me on Skye -She evened wanted me to lease him- but says PJ wouldn't make a good pair with me? IDK.