Connection With the Reins Mini-Series
This is a mini-series on a BIG subject.
Riding in connection with the reins is a struggle for many people & horses, and it can seem complicated to unwind.
ALL of these are ‘must-see’ videos and I am happy to make sure you can easily find them here together in this one place. You can find all the videos on this subject in the larger category: Yummy Connection With The Reins
I picked these 8 because they give you the conceptual overview of riding in connection with the reins, as well as some key exercises to practice starting NOW.
When I think about rein contact, I don’t think about rein contact, I think about the things that effect rein contact. All the problems of the body show up in the reins when the reins are there. Often the best way to solve problems in the reins is to do less with the reins!
There’s a good chance these concepts and exercises will totally change the way you think about how you use the reins, and how you approach improving your horse’s posture, especially if you are new to me and how I teach.
These videos are equally good for people already experienced with riding in connection with the reins and people just starting.
You can find even more videos on this subject by searching for connection, contact, or reins
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Connecting to the Circuit Of Energy - Monty and Breanne - Aug 2011
Karen talks about connecting with the circuit of energy as Breanne rides Karen's Lipizzaner, Monty. You will see the difference between a 'whatever' gait, an actively stretched gait and a working gait, and the transitions from one to another. You will also see how quickly the flow of energy can b...
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The Purpose of the Reins - Sept 2011
Karen discusses the 3 main purposes of the reins with students at one of her clinics. This is a 'must see' for everyone. The points discussed here will help riders with advanced horses to refine their concept of connection, but will also help riders with less advanced horses understand when they ...
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All About Contact Equine Affaire Part 1 - Dec 2021
This video is of a demo and mini-clinic Karen did at Equine Affaire 2021, called All About Contact. These riders are new to Karen. In this part, you will hear Karen give an overview of her view about contact and see 4 riders go through a preliminary exercise to help improve the contact and connec...
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All About Contact Equine Affaire Part 2 - Jan 2022
This video is part 2 of the video: All About Contact: Equine Affaire Demo, Part 1. In this video Karen coaches each rider individually to find their working gaits.
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Dissolving Brace In The Reins - Oct 2011
Karen sets up one of her (and students') favorite simulations. See how 'the way in which' you connect through the reins can either dissolve or cause brace! Some very important concepts are discussed and you will see a way to practice your technique away from the horse. This is another 'must see' ...
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Freedom and Connection - Jan 2017
A paradigm-shifting video for creating a great connection with the reins. Karen discusses and demonstrates how to mix and match having connection with the reins (or not) with being precise in your focus (or not). Too often riders feel like they have to choose between being loose and light but imp...
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Improving Posture Without Reins - June 2022
In this video, Karen will show how to improve your horse’s posture in the stretched and working gaits without relying on the reins. Karen will show how to create the stretch, and then bring it up into the working gaits. This is a great exercise for anyone who wants to improve their connection wit...
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An Exercise For Self Carriage Inside Connection - Dec 2020
This video shows you a 4-Step exercise that will help you check how much your seat connection works inside the connection with the reins. Sometimes it's easier to have a seat connection when riding with no reins, but it can be a challenge to keep that seat connection when the reins are there! Thi...
