Communicating through the Hand Aids
much more humane approach and will keep the horse sound in body and mind for many more years.
There are three very common mistakes I see in the hand aids of beginner riders. The first is to shake the reins to make the horse go. The second is to pull back while asking the horse to go forward. And the third is using the hands on the reins for balance and support. All riders should be able to ride on a lunge line (long line where the horse goes around in a circle under the control of the instructor who stands in the middle of the circle) with enough balance and control to have their hands on their hips, head and/or straight out to the side before they are allowed to ride that gait independently with their hands on the reins.
Communication is central to the special relationships we can have with horses. Use your hand aids softly, slowly, and consistently and in conjunction with your other aides. Both you and your horse will have more enjoyable rides!
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