Struggling with Rein Length and Contact?

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Amelia Newcomb Dressage

Amelia Newcomb Dressage

Күн бұрын

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DO you have trouble keeping a steady contact, this video goes through how to maintain and even and consistent contact.
(FULL DESCRIPTION BELOW LINKS)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to video
00:57 How to shorten and maintain your length.
02:17 Adjustments
04:17 Trotting contact
04:42 How to know if your reins are the correct length
05:12 What happens if your reins are too long?
06:16 What happens when you change direction?
07:57 What to do if your horse pops above the contact.
08:39 Stretch circle contact
09:13 Always pushing, never pulling
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Do you struggle to keep a steady contact? Are your reins always getting too long? Does your horse constantly pull the reins out of your hands?
As Charlotte Dujardin famously said “Short reins win gold medals”, and she’d know right!? The right rein length is crucial for us to be able to communicate with our horses properly, sensitively, and effectively, so in this week’s video I’m going give you all my secrets about rein length.
The first thing to understand is how to shorten and maintain your rein length.
To shorten your reins take both reins in one hand, slide the other hand down the rein and then repeat this on the other side.
To maintain the length, we put pressure on the rein between our thumb and our pointer finger, (not gripping with the whole fist as many often think). Horses are very clever about how to get the reins out of your hands without you even noticing, but this method of holding the reins will keep you aware of this. (I had a client one time that swore she had reins that magically grew in length 😂)
One mistake I see people make a lot is tipping forward when they’re shortening the reins! This totally destabilizes your position. Please sit back and keep your bum in the saddle when you’re adjusting your reins! There is no need to tip forward.
Here are a few more tips on rein length:
you want to maintain a steady and elastic contact with your horses' mouth. Contact is defined as light tension on the rein.
If your reins get too long, you won't be able to turn or stop!
When riding a circle, we want our horses looking slightly inward. When you change direction you will need to shorten the new inside rein slightly.
If your horse comes above the contact, you can also widen your hands to get contact and help your horse to lower and drop their head.
For a stretch circle, simply loosen the grip between the thumb and pointer, and allow the reins to slip out of your hands, but always maintaining the contact.
The most important thing to remember is that the roundness must come from behind, you’re never pulling your horse into the contact, you’re always driving them towards it.
If you haven't yet click here to join my brand new 30 Days to Round Challenge! Inside this challenge, I am going to give away all my secrets to getting your horse round, supple, and soft! Not only that, but you could win up to $1,000 when you enter the challenge and show us your transformation!
Have a look at this video where I demonstrate on Jacques and let me know in the comments if you find it helpful!

Пікірлер: 81
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Have you joined our challenge? Check it out: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/
@TheGypsyGirl77
@TheGypsyGirl77 2 ай бұрын
I worked on this today and it made a difference. I was always told to hold the reins like I am holding baby birds and I totally misunderstood so I threw my reigns away. Now I finally realize what that means with holding the reins in my hands versus the length. So much to think about you make my horse life much easier! Thank you!
@angelaharrigandressage
@angelaharrigandressage 10 ай бұрын
I always have growing reins too!
@imzadi83fanvids7
@imzadi83fanvids7 Ай бұрын
Same, my instructor recently got rainbow reins and they've been helpful as I can more easily tell when my reins have grown, lol.
@rajeevbhardwaj8514
@rajeevbhardwaj8514 2 ай бұрын
Very useful information especially for new entrants
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage 2 ай бұрын
Glad you think so! If you would like to know more about Contact and Connection, check out this free webinar and PDF amelianewcombdressage.com/free-contact-connection-webinar-worksheet/
@nesskerton
@nesskerton Жыл бұрын
Thank you so very much Amelia. Your explanations are always easy to understand. You don't make folks feels like gooses if they are unsure or don't understand as well as others. Many thanks. :)
@beckyharrison2680
@beckyharrison2680 Жыл бұрын
Your instructions are very clear and easy to follow.
@paramjietsingh8850
@paramjietsingh8850 Жыл бұрын
Amelia this was a very knowledgeable lesson ….I do struggle rounding my horse!!!)))
@berlindaarmijo9251
@berlindaarmijo9251 8 ай бұрын
Well explained. Thank you! Beautiful Horse.
@sandysattin
@sandysattin 10 ай бұрын
YAY! EXACTLY what I was looking for, thank you!
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage 10 ай бұрын
So glad!
@user-yk7qg1uu1w
@user-yk7qg1uu1w 21 күн бұрын
Thanks.....I will follow your clip and waiting for that
@GabrieleDempsey
@GabrieleDempsey 7 ай бұрын
Thank you Amelia, the details you point out are so helpful! I am from Germany and sooo enjoy your videos. God bless you 🙂
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage 7 ай бұрын
Glad you like them!
@heatherlea5411
@heatherlea5411 Жыл бұрын
Love this! Your demonstration fills in certain gaps for me while getting the practice/exercise between lessons. Thank you explaining the gradual change, especially for notating regarding the young horse. It makes total sense! I really appreciate you and your videos!
@shannonclendon1424
@shannonclendon1424 Жыл бұрын
Super helpful. I always worry because my horse has a short, thick neck anyway. So I worry about my reins compressing his neck! I will put this into play tomorrow when I ride!
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helps!
@bojo3744
@bojo3744 Жыл бұрын
Again, to the point at the details. I will try this.
@Horsepassion4life
@Horsepassion4life Жыл бұрын
Tahnk you! Another very useful and nicely explained video!
@amandafrench8047
@amandafrench8047 Жыл бұрын
Ta, yes it is especially the bit about the mechanics of shortening one's reins.
@juliafoley6499
@juliafoley6499 Жыл бұрын
Really clear and very practical, Amelia. Thanks very much!
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
You're very welcome!
@leec5170
@leec5170 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Thanks.
@mailitedd185
@mailitedd185 11 ай бұрын
I love this explanation! Thank you 💗
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage 11 ай бұрын
Very welcome
@sylviamoritz6589
@sylviamoritz6589 Жыл бұрын
OMG you must be watching me ride. This is so helpful because I am constantly fidgeting with my reins. It annoys me and I can only imagine how much it annoys my horse. How do I know if I am puling my horses mouth. I hate pulling on his face.
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@robynmartin2026
@robynmartin2026 8 ай бұрын
another great video, thank you so much!! I'd love to do the challenge, but timing is not quite right just now, wet spring, no where to ride (lame excuse I know), but I'll be ready for the next one!!
@Lidili
@Lidili Жыл бұрын
Excellent and very interesting and informative video. Thank you very much for your valuable video.
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
You are welcome!
@imogenscott9879
@imogenscott9879 Жыл бұрын
I usually do lean forward to shorten my reins! It's because the horse is leaning on the bit, or trying to get more rein, I have to try not to tip forward, but the heaviness straightens out my arms - so to shorten further I need to lean forward to get more reins. To avoid this I need to spend up to 20 minutes gradually increasing the contact/shortening my reins as the horse warms up and eventually accepts the contact. To speed that up, I'm often shortening the reins more quickly than we're comfortable, hence leaning forward... But this video and your others on rider position are helping remind me what to aim for. I will refocus on balanced seat and even rhythm, and also try widening and narrowing hands. Thank you Amelia!
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Add leg to engage the hind leg before you shorten rein. If he's heavy or on the rein, he's probably not lifting his back or using his hind leg (or both)...
@imogenscott9879
@imogenscott9879 Жыл бұрын
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage thanks a lot, I'll give that a try!
@johnjohn741
@johnjohn741 Жыл бұрын
Thank you👍
@lyndaburch9381
@lyndaburch9381 Жыл бұрын
Excellent tips Amelia. My arthritis keeps me on my toes trying to keep the rein length. I just tried some new gloves that I think will be helpful. Thank you!
@christinafragis7224
@christinafragis7224 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant video Amelia! Thanks for all the useful tips!
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Yay! Thank you!
@user-rp8vu5jy9x
@user-rp8vu5jy9x Жыл бұрын
Can you make a video about the ‘frame’? This is my best youtube channel!❤️
@hkhorses9658
@hkhorses9658 Жыл бұрын
🌹🌹🌹 very inspiring as always! I
@deniseclark1211
@deniseclark1211 Жыл бұрын
My reins get too long !
@tagadaki
@tagadaki 6 ай бұрын
Actually I started watching these videos after seeing myself galloping. I had long reins, they were going up and down on the horse mouth, and my hands were all over the place and that was super ugly to watch lmao. It felt like I was riding western watching myself. Also I struggle to take turns because my hands are everywhere and the reins are too long. Usually I struggle paying attention to my posture and my hands at the same time. But it will come after practice and practice I guess. Im lucky to have a good equestrian center, so even if I don't have a crazy level, the group I ride with is really different, some will ride pretty well and some are just noobs, but we still do dressage, horseball, carrousels and different things together, and I learn a lot being with more experienced riders and being able to learn stuff usually for more experienced riders is a must. Usually in France you don't do dressage if you don't have a certain level of riding skill for example.
@danielnovak1326
@danielnovak1326 Жыл бұрын
Those riders should buy the reins with stoppers. It allows them to hold the constant lenth
@isabellefischer5145
@isabellefischer5145 Жыл бұрын
I agree. I'm using reins with stoppers and it helps tremendously. It also is an easy way to check that your reins are the same length on both sides. Stoppers also make you aware of the reins slipping through your fingers, and you learn to tighten your hands more so that it happens less and less...
@Catydid1996
@Catydid1996 Жыл бұрын
This is super helpful! I'm not a dressage rider yet, however we are doing flatwork right now in hunt seat/hunter/jumper since my riding lab is all beginners/novice/low level intermediate including myself. We are learning to have better contact, our diagonals, how to use our reins better, how to share the arena without cluttering in the same spot, be a little more forward yet sitting up straight and for me to have better cadence since I ride a fast bumpy horse. I've always loved your videos cuz' they inspire me and I feel like you are my legit teacher, lol. Looking forward to more helpful videos! 🦄💗
@northhorseequestrian3948
@northhorseequestrian3948 Жыл бұрын
Im also hunter seat/ intermediate, just started dressage lessons a couple months ago and it's so much to take in! Love Amelia's videos, she really breaks it down well. Best of luck to you!!
@Catydid1996
@Catydid1996 Жыл бұрын
@@northhorseequestrian3948 Niceee! Hello fellow hunter! I totally agree! I remember that my western riding professor from last year (I'm in college majoring Equine Science) shared a video of Amelia's and I was so excited! Everyone looked at me like I was crazy but I didn't care, lol! I don't know if anyone felt inspired by the video she shared but I did, haha (I don't remember what video she shared though, think it was posture or rein connection). I wish you luck too! 🦄💗
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Check out my new challenge! It might help: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/
@Catydid1996
@Catydid1996 Жыл бұрын
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage I would love to, however I should be saving my money for school, my car repairs, etc. Maybe someday though if you plan to do it again in the future :3
@benitascott3533
@benitascott3533 Жыл бұрын
Very good comprehensive descriptions here! Thankyou Amelia. I notice you have very active legs in alot of your videos. Are you constantly driving your horse forward, with a little tap to get the impulsion? I'm just curious, if such an educated horse needs the constant encouragement. I'm more so aiming to control the speed of my little race mare 🤣! But I am intending to try riding with a dummie spur to get greater precision with my leg when I do need it. Do you ensure you have a closed hand, or is the thumb on top securing the reign enough, to enable the reign to otherwise feel soft in the hand?? 🌷🐴🙏
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
This horse can be a bit behind the leg - so yes - I need to work on getting him more forward and making sure that I am not nagging....
@susanquesnel7043
@susanquesnel7043 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Wondering about your leg aids. Can you share?
@mileswalters2381
@mileswalters2381 Жыл бұрын
My old lad would all of a sudden just step up a gear in trot. It was like his ground covering was 50% greater per stride and he was running the show. Open the hands out further apart though, so the reigns were in a wide V from them to the bit and the feeling was phenomenal, like floating along with all the control in the world but extremely light in the hand. Put hands back to shoulder width apart and you lost it. Never had a clue how I got him there to just take the bit and offer it to me to work with.
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
that's so interesting!
@mileswalters2381
@mileswalters2381 Жыл бұрын
@@AmeliaNewcombDressage After today, I can explain it. I suffered hip tension for a few years which in turn effects balance. I have been fighting off muscle memory since hip tension has gone. Fighting a battle with myself to override muscle memory whilst riding and that means focus was more on me than the horse. My new lad did exactly today what my old lad used to do.......Its my balance, posture and contact down the reign which got the horse there. Coach pointed it out today when I said I didn't know how I got him going so lovely, after she asked me. My upper body is the last part of the muscle memory fight from when I had hip tension. Just that slight chin lift and sitting a little taller whilst correcting that 10 degree forward lean, is the difference between my lad going lovely and not so lovely.
@barbstrona1
@barbstrona1 Жыл бұрын
Great! I couldn’t get my trusty school horse to drop her head. My trainer explained she doesn’t want her to do that as long as she has little kids learning to ride. Her head keeps them from pitching off head first! I can barely tell when she ( lesson horse) crosses her legs. She is built like me, short and round, and her legs can barely cross they are so short. She tries. I’m sad because she is moving to Massachusetts and we have incredible ability to read each other’s feelings!
@NoThankUBeQuiet
@NoThankUBeQuiet Жыл бұрын
Find a new instructor
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Yes, it can be difficult when you have to share horses are being ridden by beginners or green riders that are focusing on their seat and position instead of contact. Especially if you're riding once a week and the horse has that for the other 4-5 rides each week. Best thing you can do is work on a steady contact until you're ready to move up to a more advanced lesson horse. If you're riding more than once a week and still struggling, you could consider joining my 30 days to round program, but I don't know if it would be beneficial if your coach is moving! So sad! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/
@kellymcclure1405
@kellymcclure1405 Жыл бұрын
On any horse I ride my reins always get longer at the canter.
@erikamatsson8867
@erikamatsson8867 6 ай бұрын
@sylviamoritz6589
@sylviamoritz6589 Жыл бұрын
Also the challenge is going OK there is so much I need to learn
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Yes!! Glad you joined the challenge. Just take it one day at a time!
@amysmith5694
@amysmith5694 Жыл бұрын
Amelia, does the fact you are keeping his head slightly tilted have anything to do with keeping him in a line BY the fence? I can't keep my horse to not cut corners because i don't know how to get him to be by the fence :(
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Hey Amy, I'm not 100% sure what you're trying to say, but keeping your horse rounder will help with your steering and getting him into corners!
@excaliburskeeper
@excaliburskeeper Жыл бұрын
How does this apply when learning to use a double bridle?
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
The snaffle of the double is the same, while the curb of the double only comes into play for extra leverage!
@kamash4487
@kamash4487 Жыл бұрын
Can you tell me what kind of saddle do you have?
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Custom Saddlery! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/amelias-tack-room/custom-saddlery-saddle-fit/
@DarkArwen929
@DarkArwen929 Ай бұрын
Too long reins. I really struggle to keep the correct length as I fear pulling on his mouth. I know too loose isn't good either. Hoping I can get it just right. Thank you for the tips here.
@Horsestudent2022
@Horsestudent2022 Жыл бұрын
I am struggling with contact . I am either too long or too short on the reins 🤷🏻‍♀️
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Did this video help Naciye?
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
Also, here’s a link with all of my free courses, try the rider position one! www.amelianewcombdressage.com/giving-back-now-and-always-black-friday-2022/
@Horsestudent2022
@Horsestudent2022 Жыл бұрын
Yes thanks so much !
@DARKhorses73
@DARKhorses73 Жыл бұрын
I'm told to keep hands forward . Seems like I lose contact with hands forward 🤔
@NoThankUBeQuiet
@NoThankUBeQuiet Жыл бұрын
Then have a shorter rein with your hand forward
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage Жыл бұрын
You might need to shorten your reins if that is the case. Check out this program. It might help you: www.amelianewcombdressage.com/30-days-to-round/
@glennvannijevelt1133
@glennvannijevelt1133 Жыл бұрын
I am here just to admire your horse………
@Movingmts111
@Movingmts111 Жыл бұрын
Too long :( trying to figure it out
@Hverdagshesten
@Hverdagshesten 3 ай бұрын
You have moved away from roundness right? It's not healthy
@AmeliaNewcombDressage
@AmeliaNewcombDressage 3 ай бұрын
Hi there! When done properly and focusing on their full body it helps them use their body more correctly!
@barbaraschaffner4709
@barbaraschaffner4709 Жыл бұрын
PROBABLY TOO LONG
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