HOLDING REINS, NECK REINING
& THE SIDEPASS

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"Ask-Cherry":
      What hand do I use on the reins?
      What should happen with the hindquarters when I neck rein?
      What is the best way to teach the sidepass?"

BONUS TIP: "Where can I find Panel Caps?"

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Ask-Cherry

What hand should I hold split reins in?

Cherry,

When showing in a western pleasure class I'm confused on which hand my split reins should be in! I have had many people tell me it should always be in your left hand and I have had people say it doesn't matter because you work both ways in the ring and you have right and left handed people Can you help me? - Laura

Hi Laura,

I am right handed and always hold my split reins in my left hand. This keeps my right hand free for opening and closing gates, for holding the lead of a horse that I am ponying, and for any other task that I'd rather perform with my right hand.

However, since a horse show judge wouldn't know if you are right handed or left handed and holding the reins with either hand is "legal" in the show ring, it boils down to a matter of your personal preference. When you ride, do you feel more comfortable and coordinated when you hold your reins in your left hand or right hand?

One thing I do want to mention is that in a few classes in certain associations, there is a rule that once you commit to holding the reins in one hand at the start of a class, the hands may not be changed. You'll need to check your breed association handbook for general performance rules and for specific class rules for the classes you are showing in.

For more specific information and illustrations related to holding reins, refer to:

Best of luck,

What should the hindquarters do when neck reining?

Dear Cherry,

I decided to teach my English horse to neck rein (for convenience while trail riding) and I have very little Western experience. We are making pretty good progress, but I am confused about one thing. If the horse is at a standstill and I apply a neck-rein cue for a left turn, do I want the hindquarters to move to the right around the front end, as in a direct rein cue, or do I want the front legs/shoulders to move to the left around the hindquarters? Please help, as I haven't been able to find the answer anywhere. Thanks. - Pat C.

Hi Pat,

Great idea. You'll be the envy of all your trail riding buddies because you'll have a free hand for taking a sip of cool water out of your canteen while your horse continues down the trail!

Western neck reining, when performed from a standstill, is a turn on the hindquarters. So if you want to make a 90 degree turn to the left (by applying a right indirect rein on your horse's neck) you will also be using your right leg behind the cinch (girth) to hold the hindquarters from swinging to the right.

Neck reining is always preceded by a "check" which is the western equivalent of a half halt, a slight lifting up of the reins to shift the weight of the horse to his hindquarters. Then the neck rein aids are applied and the horse turns with his weight balanced on his hindquarters with the forehand moving around the hindquarters.

References:

Happy Trails,

What is the best way to teach the sidepass?

Hi Cherry,

I am trying to train my 19 year old QH mare to side step. She was a pet in her early years, then a trail horse, then a Western/English pleasure horse and now she is mine. I have had formal training and for the most part, can train a horse to do various things well. However, she has not responded well to my efforts. Any help would be welcomed. Thank you. - Merlin

Hi Merlin,

Like so many other maneuvers, it is best to break down the sidepass into its components and teach them one at a time so if you have a particular problem, you have various places you can go back and "tweak" or review. Once your horse knows all of the simple components, the sidepass will be a "piece of cake". Here's the progression I follow to teach the sidepass:

Since it sounds like you've had some experience with these maneuvers, you will be surprised at how easily it will all come together when you follow the progression. Plan to take a week or two to teach or review all of these steps to your horse so she doesn't become confused by progressing too quickly.

If you need a review, all of these maneuvers are described in detail in:

Best of luck with your training,

Where can I find Panel Caps?

Hi Cherry,

My sister and I read your article "Instant Fence" in Western Horseman and would like to find the Panel Caps that you mention to use on our round pen. Can you help us out?

Panel Caps
1809 E. Sherman Ave.
Nampa ID 83686
877-668-0699
www.panelcaps.com

Ask-Cherry

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