Long Droopy Reins



 I was asked this question the other day and I thought I would share it. I was explaining the advancing of rider (& horse) skills by switching from riding two handed to one handed when a student asked...

Q.  When do we ride one handed using long droopy reins (like you see in the show pen)?

My answer ->
Right between riding one handed & no handed.

When a rider is riding one handed and they are in transition to advancing towards riding with no hands, they will use a droopy rein.  It's not easy to pick up a droopy rein to correct your horse. (That's the point - not to make it easy).  It's not quite no handed - It's not quite having no bridle, but it's a step.

Here are the steps:

1. Riding two handed to learn riding skills. Then...
2. Advancing to one handed and continuing to do the same (or more) riding skills. (Going back to two handed for corrections) then...
3. Riding with a droopy rein in preparation to riding with no hands. Then...
4. Riding with a droopy rein and putting hand on saddle horn so it doesn't move while the rider is able to do all the riding skills.  Then...
5. Tying the reins on the saddle horn as the rider transitions to riding no hands.  (the reins can be picked up if needed) Then...
6. Finally removing the bridle and using a neck rope to continue to do the same riding skills. The neck rope is in case you need it. (The bridle&reins wrapped around the horse's neck can be used as well).  Then...
7. Riding no hands, without a bridle or neck rope. Then...
8. Finally, riding without a saddle and bridle and continuing to do the same riding skills.  Now that's having advanced riding skills!! Wouldn't you say?!

So you can see that by the time you are able to ride with a long droopy rein, then a rider is certainly ready for the show pen!!
Thanks to Marcia for the great question.

Putting my spin on advancing riding skills!
Reinersue
@KISS Reiners