How to Hold Western Reins

The correct way to hold Western reins is different than the correct way to hold English horse reins. When riding in a Western saddle, with a horse that is trained to neck rein and be ridden in a curb bit, the correct way to hold the reins is with one hand. The correct way to pick up and hold Western reins on a Western horse is to pick up the split reins with your index finger between the two reins. Hold the reins in a loosely held fist, with the index finger separating the reins as they enter the fist. The correct way to hold Western reins is to use one hand on the reins and one hand relaxed down from the shoulder, resting just behind the thigh. Western reins may be held with the right or left hand, but should not be held in both hands.