Hi Kim >> Do you think this is saying it is ok to hold the horse's mane to get balance (better than grabbing the reins)?
Why wouldn't it be? One of the first things I teach riders is how to slide up and hook an index finger in the mane, helps secure the rider and you can keep a connection with the rein without pulling on the horse's mouth. In an emergency situation I don't think you want to drop the reins but hooking into the mane can avoid balancing off them and the horse's mouth. We also find that the Balance rein is helpful for helping the rider balance and to bring the horse into balance through the body and allow a release of the horse's neck rather than shortening it. Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
