Let's not forget the end goal of this rein handling : your rein aids need to
be clear to the horses/ponies !
One of the advantages of Achenbach handling is that it makes reins
adjusting smoother and easier (after LOTS of practice !) and if all reins
are even in your left hand to start out with, you will be less tempted to
fiddle
by fixing horses from front to back to make them straight and round, rather
think about driving them forward into the straightness.
When I start getting a "tired brain" concentrating on keeping my left hand
organized, and remembering which rein goes where, I think of the story John
Parker (UK driver, coachman extraordinare) told us at CAA in Williamsburg
in 2000. He was taught to drive 4 with a handkercheif over his hands, so he
couldn't look at his hand or reins. . . when I get mixed up, I just pretend
the handkerchief is over my hand and focus on remembering !
Dana Bright The snow is coming this way, maybe this Sunday will be Tandem Sleigh Day !
