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| WFP and the neck strap. |
They are also not just for jumpers, perhaps. Could they benefit the dressage rider?
I hope to weigh in soon, because I'm going to be riding with a neck strap for a bit. It's not for security, but to improve my hands in these ways:
- Most importantly, I have to work on a shorter rein. I tend to like to carry my hands in my lap, and then I curl my wrists, and then I'm "caving in" my posture.
- Neck straps will help you keep your hands less busy/more stable
- I'm hoping a neck strap will make me more aware of when I want to pull back.
- I'm thinking a neck strap will help me sit more "over the horse" and help me fight the chair seat.
What convinced me that I need a neck strap is an experience I had with Riley recently. Watching a recent video of Edward Gal and his new horse (click here to view), I was struck by how short he kept the reins, and how quiet and forward his hands are. I tried to "channel Edward Gal" in a recent ride on Riley, planting my hands on his neck about a third of the way up his neck. Riley did not piaffe (darn) but he did respond with some of the best trotwork I've had on him. Sure my hands were quieter. But I also observed that when you can't fuss with your hands, you actually have to USE YOUR SEAT.
So, neck strap it is. It seems stupid to buy one -- but I may have to, if I can't unearth an old pair of stirrup leathers. Wish me luck!
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Good luck! I use an old martingale strap (just use the neck part) if you have one of those lying around - they're thinner and have a keeper for the end of the strap.
ReplyDeleteGreat addition to your riding for developing your seat. I keep hearing my favorite trainer, "Hip toward your hand." Sometimes he'd have me hold the pommel of the saddle to get that feel. Hope the strap helps you get the feeling.
ReplyDeleteA slim leather belt from the thrift store will work too. Neck strap was a requirement at my last trainers barn, until you proved you didn't need it lol. :D
ReplyDeleteI always ride with a neck strap, especially out hunting. You never know when you'll need one! And they are very useful on the flat, not just over fences. I've seen a lot of fussy horses get nice and calm after their rider starts using one. Even the riders who swear they aren't busy with their hands. My eventing trainer insisted that everyone ride with one.
ReplyDeleteA neck strap has saved my butt from the dirt several times. I always tie it loosely to the front d ring with a shoe lace to keep it from falling forward up his neck.
ReplyDeleteI use the 'oh crap' strap on my saddle (also known as a bucking strap) to set my hands/reins. I'm terrible about letting the reins slide through my fingers in tiny increments. The other thing I've used is called the Equicube http://www.equicube.net/. It's this weird cube thing that you hold in your hands that forces you to use your core and seat instead of fiddling with the reins. It's pretty heavy, but very effective.
ReplyDeleteI second the belt, which should be plenty durable for dressage. I found the stirrup leather to thick. I, too, am trying the strap to keep my hands quieter. I have a long torso and short arms so I have a tendency to let my hands drift upwards.
ReplyDeleteIf you want something sturdier, I got a lovely neck strap off of eBay for $14, including shipping. I think the seller was lancamishgoods.
Loop from standing martingale...seems like those are always laying around, and they can't come undone like a belt or stirrup leather....at least not as quickly.
ReplyDeletehope it works out for you! my trainer requires all riders to use a neck strap too - mostly for jumping, but your reasons sound mighty good too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good thing and there's no reason not to at least try it. I'm sure you'll let us all know how it works???
ReplyDeleteI use a breastplate for that very reason, but hides my need ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood idea. I may try this myself, as I'm always battling straight elbows and tipping forward with my bum out the back. I find bringing my hands up improves my position, but it's hard to maintain.
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