Hand Position

Posted on October 19, 2008 by blondie

The USEF rule book states that there must be at least a 16″ difference is hand position in the western discipline. At OKC, and several other shows, I have noticed that several amateurs and pros alike, keep their hands at a much closer distance. Why are they not penalized? Some are even world champions. I have even noticed the use of two hands! Refer to some photos on Howie’s page or even in the Connection. Anyone else noticed improper hand position?

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10 Responses to Hand Position

  1. amie9191 says:
    October 19, 2008 at 7:23 pm

    The rule reads:

    Rider may hold romal or end of split reins to keep from swinging and to adjust the position
    of reins, provided there are at least 16 inches of rein between the hands.

    So I think the rider may hold their extra hand anywhere they choose as long as there is 16 inches of rein between the hands.

  2. Anonymous says:
    October 19, 2008 at 7:36 pm

    I think they recently changed it…it was 16 inches between hands and now is 16 inches of rein…

  3. blondie says:
    October 19, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    When both hands are held side by side, there is no way possible for it to be 16″

  4. Anonymous says:
    October 19, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    blondie said:
    “When both hands are held side by side, there is no way possible for it to be 16?

    Sure there is…the rein does not have to be taught between the hands. The rein that runs between the hands can be draped – a big loop.

  5. Trisha says:
    October 20, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    This has been brought up quite a bit this season when watching classes. According to my aunt (“R” judge), they could be disqualified should the judge choose to do so.

    I think that most judges need to be more strict with this rule. I have witnessed quite a few riders who use this so that they can get away with 2-handing their horse when the judge may not be looking closely.

  6. Anonymous says:
    October 20, 2008 at 1:28 pm

    Is there a rule that says the extra hand must be in a certain spot?

  7. blondie says:
    October 20, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    I will check the rule book again. I know equitation riders are told to keep the romal hand on their thigh and the rein hand directly above the horn, thus giving the whole 16″ requirement.

  8. amie9191 says:
    October 20, 2008 at 6:20 pm

    The western seat rules read:

    “The position of the hand not being used for reining is optional, but it should be kept free of the horseand equipment and held in a relaxed manner with the rider’s body straight at all times.
    Rider may hold romal or end of split reins to keep from swinging and to adjust the position
    of reins, provided there are at least 16 inches of rein between the hands”

    So the position of the extra hand can be held where the rider wants it as long as there is 16 inches of reins between the hands.

  9. blondie says:
    October 21, 2008 at 8:44 am

    USEF RulE Book MO131 Morgan Western Pleasure Section, No. 5

    “Rider may hold the romal or the end of split reins to keep them from swinging and to adjust the position of the reins provided it is held at least 16″ from the reining hand.”

    Nothing is mentioned about length of rein being 16 inches. Distance from hand is 16″.

    Maybe this rule needs some clarification.

  10. blondie says:
    October 21, 2008 at 8:46 am

    amie9191

    I noticed your quote is from the AMHA Western Seat Medal Class and those rules differ.

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