Things You'll Need:
- Snaffle bridle
- D-ring bit or another mild bit
- Riding gloves (optional, but recommended)
- Horse (of course)
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Step 1
Think about what you want the horse to do. If you can clearly picture it in your mind, this makes it easier for you to communicate with your horse. For this example, we are going to move from a loose walk into a working trot.
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Step 2
Take your dominant hand, and lightly hold the loop of extra rein (called the bight). Eventually, you will be able to do this with ease with either hand.
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Step 3
Place the bight into your least dominant hand and hold firmly, but not completely rigid. You still want your hands and arms to move with the horse, not against the horse's motion.
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Step 4
Let your dominant hand almost completely let go of the reins. Just keep the lightest of contact by cupping your hand around the reins.
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Step 5
Slide it up the reins to where it feels most comfortable when you trot your horse.
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Step 6
Slide up your less dominant hand so it becomes more or less level with your dominant hand. You may have to, have your dominant hand hold the reins while you slide your least dominant hand up. Eventually, you will be able to slide the other hand up almost simultaneously with your dominant hand.
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Step 7
Let the reins slide through your hands when you want your horse to go back from the working trot to the walk.
