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RE: Light Hands?

Sam's Mom — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:44:58 GMT

To give you a bit of a simple answer. I believe a person with 'heavy' hands is someone who habitually pulls and yanks on the bit / horse's face even when it is not needed. This can cause a horse to have a 'hard' mouth and can confuse a horse as to what is being asked, since the horse is never given a 'release'. A person with 'light' hands will use the reins as an aid to acheive what is needed, but with the lightest touch needed. It is good to develop and use 'light' hands when riding.

RE: Light Hands?

Swing_Away111 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:26:12 GMT

Glad I could help!

RE: Light Hands?

paisley07 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:13:56 GMT

Thank you so much! That really helped!

RE: Light Hands?

Swing_Away111 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:38:02 GMT

I would describe light hands as not interfering with your horse, but sending clear cues.
Here are some picture examples:
http://www.horseflashes.com/images/dressage_rider_close.jpg
This looks like a heavy-handed rider. Notice the clenched fists and the bit pulling up the corners of the horse's lips. The horse is chewing hard and bent at the third vertebrae. He looks very stiff at the poll. This is not true collection, this is the rider forcing the horse into a headset.
http://www.hunterjumpernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/George%20Williams%20aboard%20Marnix%20won%20the%20Grand%20Prix%20at%20the%202006%20Zada%20Enterprises,%20LLC%20Florida%20Dressage%20Classic,%20a%20Susan%20Stickle%20Photo.jpg
Notice the difference in this photo. The rider's hands are closed but do not have a death grip on the reins. He has a contact with this horse, but the horse is not pulling on the bit. The horse is very collected, flexed at the poll, and has lots of foam (good thing). The horse looks genuinely happy.
I hope this helps!

Light Hands?

paisley07 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:15:24 GMT

I am working on my 4H book and one of the questions is "Explain what is ment by light hands and how this would be helpful to your horse." I am confused! Can somebody help me?