If you’re relying too much on your reins, then this post is for you! (and I have a fun little challenge for you to try).
As humans, we use our hands for everything—typing, cooking, driving—and that habit shows up in the saddle.
But here’s the truth: effective riding starts with your seat and legs, not your hands.
In this video, I’m riding Mercurio and sharing a fun (and eye-opening) challenge: riding with one hand behind your back. It’s a great way to test how much you’re relying on your reins—and how much more influence you can develop through your seat and leg.
The One-Handed Challenge
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how the exercise works:
- Put one hand behind your back — Start at the walk and see how long you can ride without that hand.
- Use your leg and seat to steer — Shift your weight slightly and use your inside leg to guide your horse through circles or changes of direction.
- Stay mindful of your body — Keep your shoulders back, elbows soft, and core engaged. You’ll quickly notice any imbalances or tendencies to overcorrect with your hand.
Remember, safety first! Choose a horse and pace appropriate for your level. If you’re not sure, start at the walk, then build to trot and canter when you feel ready.
What You’ll Learn from the Exercise
This challenge is about more than just steering with one hand. It shows you:
- How much you rely on your reins
- Where your seat or leg aids could be stronger
- How your balance and body control impact your horse’s responses
- How small posture shifts affect your horse’s movement
You might feel a little insecure at first (I did too!), but that’s part of the learning. If you want to get more from your horse with less effort, this kind of awareness is key. You’ll be amazed at how much more influence you can have once your position is working for you, not against you.
Happy Riding!
Amelia
P.S. Coming up in March, I’m hosting a couple of FREE webinars all about the Independent Seat.
In this webinar, you will learn:
Secret #1: What is an independent seat?
Secret #2: How to develop an independent seat.
Secret #3: How to “whisper” to your horse with soft and invisible aids.
