Q&A for How to Hold a Horse's Reins

The correct way to hold your horse's reins is to imagine giving someone a thumbs-up. Instead of wrapping the reins around three of your fingers, wrap the reins around four fingers, not including the thumb. There should be a loop; now imagine the loop of the reins as part of your thumb and you're giving a thumbs-up.

It will depend on what discipline you do. English riders use the two-handed thumb-on-top method, and western riders have a variety of reins, all held differently.

Yes, that's called neck-reining. Just gather the reins in one hand at the horse's neck, and pull the reins in the direction you want to turn, kicking with the opposite leg. Pull back to stop. The motions remain the same, only with one hand.

It's almost a full halt, but it's for horse-balancing purposes. It contains driving aids for your legs and seat and another for your hand holding the reins.