I am going to a low key open show for fun My horse doesn’t really neck rein. Are there any circumstances or bits that would allow me to ride with 2 reins? otherwise, we will just see what we get. 
It depends.
Not enough information.
What classes are you going to enter, what age is your horse, what bit are you using, etc.
Most shows, even schooling shows, will say they follow xyz rules.
Read the rules for each class as per those associations.:yes:
Generally speaking, junior horses may be ridden two handed. But, as Bluey said, it depends on the rules of the show. Junior horses are shown in a bosal or a snaffle, and two hands are used. Senior horses use a shanked bit, and one hand is the norm. But that’s subject to what your sponsoring association says. It should be on the show premium, or in their rule book. If all else fails, call the show secretary and ask. If they don’t know, they can refer you to someone who’ll know the rules.
usually its just the 5 and under horses in either a bosal or snaffle, some shows have training classes where you can use training equipment and ride with two hands
however if you are about to have an oh sh*t moment, by all means use two hands b/c you have already ruined your class, been there done that
does your horse listen well to seat and legs, you can fake it for a class or two
not a young horse
:no:
He is an upper level dressage horse and listens quite well to my seat and legs, but I am totally spastic. It’s ridiculous and hilarious. We will do the english classes, trail, sit a buck - and see about the western.
I’ve gone a real western bit which will make it easier. I will tack him up in the am and ride him and see.
thanks for the info.
If you are riding in an English saddle - hunt/forward seat, or a dressage saddle, or a cut-back flat saddleseat style - you SHOULD use two hands on the reins. Posting = two hands on the reins. And you should be using an English type of bit(s).
If he’s an aged horse, you’ll have to show one handed. If he’s responsive to your seat and legs, you can just practice a bit with one hand and see if you can kind of fudge it a bit. I bet you’ll be fine if this is just a fun open show.
[QUOTE=fatorangehorse;6366958]
:no:
He is an upper level dressage horse and listens quite well to my seat and legs, but I am totally spastic. It’s ridiculous and hilarious. We will do the english classes, trail, sit a buck - and see about the western.
I’ve gone a real western bit which will make it easier. I will tack him up in the am and ride him and see.
thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]
I’m pretty sure that no one in a non rated show involving an upper level dressage horse in a western “ride a buck” class will care at all how many hands you use
however all shows have a show bill of some sort and the rules will be there
Tamara
You might be able to get away with it if the judge isn’t looking. 
I’ve had to correct a young horse that wasn’t listening to my leg by going to 2 hands, but it was quick and behind the judges back. I wouldn’t worry too much at a fun show…make it a learning experience, if anything.
we skipped the western but had a ball!
