Rein aids in a curb?

[Lilypad]

I’ve been a dressage and hunter/jumper person my whole life, but after selling my horse I find myself leasing a Western trained QH.

He’s a lovely gelding. Very we’ll trained, easy to ride, and oh my gosh his jog and lope are to die for! I may be converted.

Anyway, onto my question. I’m used to riding in a snaffle bit and using two hands, but this horse normally goes in a curb. I know how to hold split reins, but am lost on how to give aids with one hand, other than the basic (go left/right, stop). He does neck rein. He goes mostly off my seat and legs, but sometimes I want more bend or he’ll pop a shoulder. With two reins I’d give the inside rein a tinkle and hold my outside, but with one hand…?

Someone enlighten me on how it all works, please. I am totally ignorant on the Western thing for the most part. I live in a city with 0 Western trainers so sadly can’t have someone teach me in person.

[aktill]

It will depend on how he was taught to rein, to some degree. Not everyone’s definition of “neck rein” means the same thing.

If it’s only to adjust bend, I’d rein up and to the offside to correct that. If he’s trained the way I’m used to, that will adjust things. Hang your bridle on a tack cleaning hook and you’ll see how it works.

I’d definitely resist the temptation to direct rein.

If that doesn’t work, I’d personally use a hackamore under the curb as a western double bridle. It’s not appropriate to teach bend in a curb.

[Tee]

You can ride two handed in a curb. I find it’s basically the same movement as a snaffle to correct the issues you mentioned, only you don’t need nearly as much. A very slight lift will do the trick where you might pick up more in a snaffle. I usually start out my rides two handed and then finish up one handed (I’m not in a show ring, so who cares how I ride? LOL)

[Fuego1]

Watch some reining videos and just think of how your bit works. When neck reining, your hand should always be forward and guiding. To pick up a shoulder, pick up your hand (like you would pick your hands up riding 2 handed , except you only have one), but also bump your inside leg. A truly broke western horse should be able to be moved where you want them with your legs (which is why most good reiners are capable of a bridle less pattern). Your hands will mostly just guide.