I'm new to teaching children how to ride. I enjoy it but am at a loss on how to get my 8 year old student to keep her hands still, in front of her and not pulling on the reins.
I have a true sweetheart of a horse that is patient but I'm starting to feel badly for him. The little girl is easily distracted (understandable since she's 8) and as soon as her mind goes off somewhere, she has the reins TIGHT and her hands can be anywhere ie near chest, near ears, near shoulders. She has had probably 15 lessons. I have asked her to put her hands in the mane, on the front of the saddle and nothing is working. I am patient and sweetly reminding her to reposition her hands. Today my gelding had a little fit and snatched the reins from her repeatedly. (Not typical) I stopped her and explained gently to her that her hands need to stay put...blah, blah, blah.
I'm ready to tape her hands lol! Can anyone make any suggestions? Thanks!
I have a true sweetheart of a horse that is patient but I'm starting to feel badly for him. The little girl is easily distracted (understandable since she's 8) and as soon as her mind goes off somewhere, she has the reins TIGHT and her hands can be anywhere ie near chest, near ears, near shoulders. She has had probably 15 lessons. I have asked her to put her hands in the mane, on the front of the saddle and nothing is working. I am patient and sweetly reminding her to reposition her hands. Today my gelding had a little fit and snatched the reins from her repeatedly. (Not typical) I stopped her and explained gently to her that her hands need to stay put...blah, blah, blah.
I'm ready to tape her hands lol! Can anyone make any suggestions? Thanks!