> > >>> What is lightness in regard to hands on the reins? what are soft hands? > > > > > > Soft hands will continuously move very lightly in time with the horse's > > gait - I've always heard them called "following hands." When someone on > > the list told me that some Icelander trainer told them that their hands > > should never move when the horse moves > Always with short rein and non-moving hands (actually I was told to hold the saddle to keep my hands in one place...).
I've been told that too. Even had a piece of string attached to the saddle to put my thumbs through. I was so stiff that the horse bolted off in cantypace which I managed to sit to and remain upright. I couldn't stop the horse at all. I read about 'following hands' in several riding books and I guess I found out the why of that. Theres a world of difference between hands being 'still' and still in relation to the horse. It's an awful lot for a beginner like me to work out when people are teaching wrong concepts. It helps to have several resources like books and videos. In the end the horse is the best teacher. Sue UK
