One of the biggest struggles that I see with riders is finding and maintaining a steady contact. Sometimes our hands just have a mind of their own and they end up moving way more than we realize!
So I have a little hack for you to try to help you find and maintain a steady contact: riding while carrying a snaffle bit in your hands! When we ride, we want our hands to be about as wide as the bit rings. Riding with a bit between your hands can really help you find the right width for your hands, as well as encourage you to use your fingers and wrists to give aids instead of resorting to pulling.
Want to give this awesome hack a try? Here’s how:
- First, make sure that your bit is making a smiley face just like it would if attached to your horse’s bridle, and hold the bit in your hands, just like you’re holding the reins
- Pick up your reins, and find the right length, making sure that your elbows are bent and your thumbs are pointing up.
- Start out at the walk on a 20-meter circle. Your goal is to keep the bit loose – you want to feel some tension, but you don’t want it to be so tight you can’t hear it clinking/moving as you ride.
- Ride around (five minutes is plenty) and as you feel comfortable, try progressing up to the trot and canter and even changing direction on your circle. Take note of how it feels riding with the bit and how it affects your contact.
After you’ve ridden with the bit for about five minutes, set the bit down, and continue with your ride. Keep in mind how it felt to ride with the bit between your hands. Remember, whatever you do with your hands moves the metal bit in your horse’s mouth! As you’re riding, keep your elbows bent and your forearm relaxed and in front of you, creating a straight line elbow to your horse’s mouth. You want to give your rein aids first with your fingers and wrist. Locking your arms and pulling your horse is incorrect and will throw your horse off balance.
Watch the video where I’m riding Mercurio and talking more about contact and how to try this cool hack with a bit! If you enjoy this cool hack, please do me a huge favor and share this video with a friend!
Happy Riding!
Amelia
