Bridging Reins Spin-off: Flat Work (and thanks)

[cranky]

I wanted to thank all the contributors of the Bridging Reins thread. I’ve used bridged reins in galloping before of course, but it has never occurred to me to try it in flat work. A trainer who worked with me a few weeks ago in a jumping lesson on an unfamiliar horse had me bridge my reins so I didn’t rely on my hands so much. That and the comments on the thread here made the light bulb go on and so I decided to give it a try in a flat school with my horse today. I have been focusing on trying to ride more off my seat and legs in general and I found that bridging my reins during some of my flat work today really emphasized this for me. I am weaker to the left, so not surprisingly this worked better to the right. But it helped to show me where I really need to do some work.

Anyway, thanks for all the thoughts and comments on that thread. I did not contribute there, but got some great tips from it.

[cllane1]

In, I believe, the most recent Practical Horseman, they had a recap of a William Fox-Pitt clinic. WFP had the riders hold both reins in their outside hands to improve the connection and steady the hands. I thought that was neat and have tried it with success on my greenie. Keeps my hand more stable and got my horse stepping off my inside leg into the outside rein. Kind of similar to bridging.

[HappyHorselover]

Also used the bridge on the flat today. First ride since Feb 1 due to weather had my horse very up - the bridge REALLY helped me not pick at him for being high headed and flat, which helped him relax. It was wonderful! I want to use it in my dressage tests LOL

[cranky]

I think I will be adding this exercise as a regular feature as I work on myself.

[visorvet]

I don’t like bridging reins for regular flat work as it tips me forward and messes with my position.

Or do those of you that like this just cross the reins and not rest your hands on the neck as you would at the gallop?

[netg]

[QUOTE=visorvet;7440060]
I don’t like bridging reins for regular flat work as it tips me forward and messes with my position.

Or do those of you that like this just cross the reins and not rest your hands on the neck as you would at the gallop?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, bridging reins does not equal leaning on the neck.

I prefer one-handed if my horse is tense because then for sure I have to let him move and can’t give in to the impulse to hang on (or gallop, which always helps!), and bridge if my hands are getting too busy or too far apart.

[cranky]

[QUOTE=visorvet;7440060]
I don’t like bridging reins for regular flat work as it tips me forward and messes with my position.

Or do those of you that like this just cross the reins and not rest your hands on the neck as you would at the gallop?[/QUOTE]

I bridged the reins, but did not touch the neck with my hands. It just keeps my hands less busy and also helps to keep them even and steady. It made me more aware of anytime I was inclined to want to use my reins much, forcing me to be much more clear and decisive with the leg aids.

[visorvet]

Thanks for clarifying. Where I come from this is “taking a cross”, while bridging implies both taking the cross and also resting/bracing hands on the neck.

I like to use a neckstrap for the same purpose - no cross in the reins, but the contact with the neckstrap reminds me to limit my handsiness.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

For flat work, I prefer to take a short crop and put it across my hands (holding with my thumbs on top) instead of using a bridge.

It reminds you to limit the use of your hands but also helps you carry your hands in the correct position—and shows not only if you want to pull back but also if you are dropping one hand more than the other.

[cranky]

I’ve tried the crop trick too. I have small hands and short, stubby fingers though and find it more difficult and awkward to manage.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

[QUOTE=cranky;7440532]
I’ve tried the crop trick too. I have small hands and short, stubby fingers though and find it more difficult and awkward to manage.[/QUOTE]

Get a small wooden stick then. We had some small dowels we got from Lowes. I have small hands as well.

It is harder because you really have to keep your hands still.

[cranky]

I’d prefer to continue with the bridging thing as that seems to be working for me for now. But thanks.