Hi As I think Karen(?) mentioned it is pretty much reflex to grab the reins but I have always tried (and taught) to give the reins and keep myself in balance if a horse stumbles. The grabbing is pretty instinctual on the part of the person and you have to kind, at least, mentally condition yourself to give if a horse stumbles. The challenge is that you want to let the reins slide through your fingers rather than lean forward to give the reins or you add to the imbalance. You can practice that by letting the reins slide through your fingers, without just keeping your fingers open all the time, when your horse stretches to the bit.
Robyn Icelandic Horse Farm Robyn Hood & Phil Pretty Vernon BC Canada www.icefarm.com
