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How do I hold driving reins?
I work at a museum that does historical reenactments and am practicing driving the horse-drawn carriage. I’ve ridden horses in the past but this is a little different, so I’m wondering—how should I hold the driving reins?
Mary Cahill · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
First off, your job sounds really cool! For beginners, using the traditional English style to hold the driving reins is best. This style is simple and practical. Here’s how it’s done.
Place each of the driving reins between your pinky and ring finger. Bring them up through the back of the hand and pinch with your thumb. Your hand should be in a relaxed fist.
It’s important to have a firm, balanced grip on the reins. If you squeeze the reins in order to hold onto them, the tension translates to the horse and makes driving uncomfortable for both of you. With the English-style wrapping method, the reins have a more comfortable placement in each hand and a better line of communication with your horse.
Holding the reins with a straight, upright posture and your elbows at a 90-degree angle will help you steer your horse using your core.
To practice, place your bit over a chair with the driving reins attached and work on holding them evenly, paying attention to how only a subtle movement is needed to turn the horse right or left.
When you’re off the horse-drawn carriage and back in your car, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best insurance coverage. Finding the lowest price on
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