How do I stop a horse leaning on the reins?
Step away from the gadgets! Side reins and a martingale will not help you. What bit are you using? Leaning and pulling is a two way thing; I expect your hands are not as soft as they ought to be, and when he leans on you, you brace against him. It’s a vicious circle, and the more he leans the more you’ll lean back, and he’ll lean even harder, and so on ad infinitum. You may not even realise you are doing it, but a horse will not lean unless he has been leant upon. You need to use your leg to push him on and steer him, and relax your arms. Maybe take a few lessons on the lunge so you can give up your dependence on the rein for balance, and ride without hands for a while. Relax your shoulder and elbow, keep your hands still, and imagine you have a little egg inside your hand – hold on too tight, and you’ll be in a heck of a mess. Remeber you’re holding on to a mouth, not a tank – even if it feels like it sometimes! If he starts to lean on you, give him a poke with your leg to push him fo
