Releasing the horse

I was looking for a video showing automatic releases and I came across this:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gyrHlfLljyM

For the crest releases it says you're supposed to put your hands on the neck and for the automatic you don't touch the horses neck and put your hands down.

My question is, do you have to have your hands on the neck for a crest release? Because I don't. Although I get yelled at all the time for not doing that. I just don't see the need for that because 95% I don't have trouble balancing over the jumps. And I know I don't use my horses mouth for balance because I also get yelled at for throwing away the contact. The 5% of the time that I do lose my balance I fall forward onto the neck. So anyway, am I being a very naughty rider by not touching the neck?

I usually put my hands on the neck for a crest release. ;) I say if it basically works the same way for you (with or without touching the neck), you don't HAVE to do it. But if your trainer yells at you lol you better get those hands on that neck!

Yes, technically the whole point of the crest release is to rest your hands on your horse's crest, whether or not you need that balance. Sounds like you're at the point where you are ready to master the auto release but not the point where you can always maintain contact during that time. That comes with time and practice. I think if you're going to do a crest release though, do a proper crest release. If you do an auto release, do an auto release. Nothing in between!