Exercise to Stop Pulling On Your Horse’s Mouth 1-3 Strides Before the Jump

I just love your site. So many great tools.  I find myself watching them over and over again. I am showing in the hunters and equitation. My biggest problem is that I tend to pull 1-3 strides out.  How can I fix this problem?  I liked your answer to the circling problem, and thought it might crossover to my pulling problem.  I have used that exercise a lot, but still find myself pulling.  It’s definitely worse when I have a good pace going.  I tend to do better when I am going slower and then move up to the jump.  Thank you for your time!

I have been successful in the past with some riders that have this same issue.  It’s a simple solution that may work for you. Hold the reins between your thumb and index finger. This is called a driving rein.  You can see a visual on this on EquestrianCoach.com.  Go to Fundamentals of Flatwork, Intermediate, and click on the chapter that says “Following Arms”.

This produces a very soft contact with the horse’s mouth.  In other words, it’s pretty hard to pull hard holding the reins in this fashion.  Give that a try and let me know if it helps.