22/06/2025
“Good hands come from a good seat.”
A horse cannot go to the hand if the hand comes to the horse.
The rider’s goal should be to maintain a soft, following contact—a feeling that is forward and slightly giving. In order for the horse to reach into the contact, there must be something for them to reach toward. If you ride on the buckle all the time (though it certainly has its place), there’s no consistent point of connection for the horse to seek.
The reins should be just short enough to allow connection when the horse is moving forward, pushing from the hindquarters, and moving through their body correctly. As the horse begins to engage from behind, the neck will naturally lengthen, and that energy will carry forward into the rider’s soft, receptive hands.
This process takes time, repetition, and feel—and it’s one of the most common and challenging concepts riders face.
Always remember: good hands come from a good seat. Without stability and balance in the saddle, true softness in the hand is impossible.
