How to Hold a Horse's Reins

To gain a trustful relationship with a horse, a rider must master the basics of riding, including how to hold reins.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Horses
• Horse Reins
• Riding Boots
• Riding Helmets

1. 

   Take one rein in each hand; left rein in the left hand, right rein in the right hand.

2. 

   Tuck the reins under all four fingers, with the reins going in at your pinkies and coming out at your forefingers.

3. Hold the reins in place with your thumbs against your forefingers.

4. Hold your hands in the thumbs-up position, with your palms slightly downward and thumbs turned toward each other. Hold your hands no farther apart than the width of the horse's neck.

5. 

   Keep your wrists and fingers relaxed. Let your arms and elbows hang naturally, but don't let them flap. Hold the reins as if you are lightly squeezing a sponge.

6. Keep your hands about an inch in front of the saddle and a few inches above the horse.

7. Lift your thumbs and let the reins slide out to add length. Shorten the reins by using the opposing hand to take up extra length.

Tips & Warnings

• Imagine a straight line going from your elbows through the reins to the horse's bit.

• Keep your hands still and don't jerk or pull at the reins.

• Horseback riding is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.