endlessclimb - as some have pointed out, the weight of the thing serves a very specific purpose. The sippy cup idea is to quiet noisy or pulling hands. You hold the cup (empty or full, your choice) handles, one in each hand, and also a rein in each hand. Take a little contact and off you go. The point is to keep your hands quiet. You aren’t allowed to touch the horse with the cup!
What it does is put your hands about the right distance apart, and keeps you from pulling on the reins. It allows for a more consistent contact and you are forced to steer with your legs and body, not the reins. It is amazing how well it works.
