Last updated: 20th May 2026
Confused about how to establish steady, soft contact with your horse? Contact is one of the trickiest elements of riding, especially with young or green horses.
In this video, I’m working with my husband, Germán, and a young mare, Poppy, to walk you through the fundamentals of creating a consistent yet soft feel in the reins.
What Is Contact?
Contact with your horse is the connection from your hand, through the reins, to the bit. Good contact should feel steady, elastic, and soft. It gives you control over your horse’s energy, balance, turning, and transitions.
When the contact is inconsistent, everything can feel unbalanced. Your horse may curl behind the bit, fuss with the connection, or feel unsteady in the bridle. When the contact is clear and steady, your horse can move forward into the hand with more harmony and confidence.
If you’re struggling with curling, fussiness, or an unsteady connection, take my free 30-second Contact & Connection Quiz. It will help you pinpoint the issue and give you a custom plan to move forward.
Start with Forward Energy
Before you worry too much about the reins, get your horse going forward. Without energy, there is nothing to connect to. Focus on creating a clear rhythm, then ride that energy forward into a soft, steady hand.
Your position matters here too. Keep a straight line from elbow to bit, and allow your elbows to stay elastic so they can follow the motion. A stiff arm makes it difficult for your horse to trust the contact.
Ride the Right Tempo for Better Contact
Contact improves when your horse moves in a steady, active tempo. If your horse is too slow, they may not reach into the rein. If they are too quick, they may lose balance and become unsteady.
Look for a tempo that feels forward, but still balanced and controlled. This is where your horse can begin to seek the contact without leaning, rushing, or hiding behind the bit.
Use Inside Leg to Outside Rein
Once your horse is moving forward with energy and rhythm, ride on a circle and gently push your horse from your inside leg into the outside rein. This helps stabilize the contact and creates better flow through the whole body.
If your horse becomes fussy in the connection, your first answer should usually be more forward energy, not more hand. Many contact issues start because the horse is not truly moving forward into the bridle.
Reward a Steady, Soft Connection
When your horse offers steady contact, reward them. Walk, give a pat, or take a short break. These moments help your horse understand that a soft, steady connection is the right answer.
The goal is not to hold your horse in place. The goal is to create a connection that feels clear, elastic, and trustworthy for both horse and rider.
Final Thoughts on Creating Contact with Your Horse
Learning how to create contact with your horse takes time, patience, and consistency. Start with forward energy, find the right tempo, ride from inside leg to outside rein, and reward the moments when your horse offers a steady connection.
I hope these tips help give you a better idea of what steady contact is and how to achieve it with your horse.
Happy Riding, Amelia
P.S. If you want to better understand your horse’s specific contact challenges, don’t forget to take my free Contact & Connection Quiz. It’s quick and will guide you to a tailored training plan that fits your horse’s needs.
