Last week, we walked through how to shorten and lengthen your reins in the saddle without losing your balance or your horse’s trust. And if you practiced, you probably noticed something:
Even when your adjustments are smooth…
You can still end up too short or too long.
So the next question is:
What’s the right rein length?
This is something I used to check constantly during lessons. I’d walk up to a rider, take one look at their contact, and say, “Let’s play with your rein length a little. I think your horse is asking for something softer—or clearer.”
Because here’s the truth: the correct rein length isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on:
- Your discipline
- Your horse’s frame
- Your own riding level
- And what you’re asking your horse to do
But—there are universal signs that help you know when you’re in the right range. And that’s what I want to show you today.
Why Rein Length Matters
Your rein length shapes your connection to your horse’s mouth. Too short, and you’re blocking them from stretching, breathing, or using their body well. Too long, and there’s no line of communication from your hands.
With the right length:
- Your contact feels alive but soft
- Your horse can stretch into the rein without falling onto the forehand
- You’re in the perfect position to give or support without chasing or pulling
It’s like being tuned in on the same radio frequency—clear signal, no static.
Let’s Find Your Sweet Spot: The Alignment Test
Stand next to me for a second in your mind. Picture yourself in the saddle.
Your upper body is tall, your seat is centered, your hands are hovering just above the withers. Your elbows are at your sides, bent softly.
Now look at your reins. Are they forming a straight line from the bit to your elbow?
That’s your first and most important clue.
I tell my students: If that line breaks anywhere—if your wrist pops up, your elbows pull back, or your reins droop—you’re no longer in that sweet spot.
This bit-to-elbow line is one of the most reliable visual checks you can do.
Signs Your Reins Are Too Long
Let’s talk about what happens when the reins are too long—and not on purpose, like during a stretchy trot or rest walk, but when you’re unintentionally riding without a steady connection.
What I see in the arena:
- The horse may carry its head too low or too high, depending on their natural tendency.
- The contact disappears—there’s no conversation between horse and rider.
- The reins form a sagging loop or obvious slack.
- The rider’s hands are floating or creeping back behind the pommel trying to re-establish a feel.
What it feels like:
- Your aids don’t go through clearly—you feel ignored.
- Your horse might feel wobbly in their steering, wiggly instead of straight or unbalanced in transitions.
- You’re tempted to “grab back” at the reins instead of maintaining soft, consistent contact.
Important note:
If your reins are long and your hands are pulled behind the pommel trying to “take back contact,” now you’re out of position trying to compensate for the extra length.
Signs Your Reins Are Too Short
Now let’s talk about the opposite problem. Riders often shorten their reins too much when they’re nervous, riding a strong horse, or mistakenly think more contact means more control.
What I see in the arena:
- The horse becomes tight in the poll, their mouth and may even start to toss their head.
- The contact looks rigid—the rider’s hands are often high, tense, or clutching.
- The horse leans heavily on the bit or braces in avoidance.
- The rider’s elbows straighten, reaching too far forward because the reins are too short.
- Sometimes horses try to duck behind the bit or go above the bit to get relief.
What it feels like:
- Your arms and shoulders are tight, and your seat can’t follow your horse easily.
- Your horse feels resistant, choppy, or tries to escape the pressure.
- You lose that soft, elastic feel and instead get something heavy or twitchy.
Quick tip from lessons:
If your horse tosses their head, resists, or shortens their neck when you think you’re riding “with contact,” your reins may be too short. Try letting out just an inch at a time and see how your horse responds. A little give can bring big softness.
How to Find the Right Rein Length for You (and Your Horse)
Here’s the method I walk students through:
1. Start at the Halt.
Get into your balanced riding position. Sit tall, elbows gently bent, hands just in front of the pommel.
2. Check the Line from Bit to Elbow.
If your hands are behind the pommel, or you’ve had to pull your elbows back behind you to find contact, your reins are probably too long. If there’s no bend in your elbows and you feel like the horse is heavy or pulling, they might be too short.
3. Shorten or Lengthen in 1-Inch Increments.
Rein length is subtle. Adjust just an inch at a time, always checking that straight line from bit to elbow.
4. Feel the Difference at the Walk.
Does your horse stretch into the contact or resist it? Do you feel relaxed and connected—or stiff and busy? The right rein length should feel steady, alive, and light—not absent or heavy.
Rein Length Changes With Purpose
Here’s something else I always tell riders: your rein length should match your intention.
When you ride:
- On a long rein walk? Give the horse full freedom to stretch.
- In a working trot? Maintain steady contact that supports their balance.
- Asking for collection or more impulsion? You may need a slightly shorter, more elastic feel—but not stiff and tight. More active, but not more forceful.
Your rein length should support the frame you’re riding in, not force it.
That’s a subtle but essential difference.
A Final Word
Rein length isn’t about some magic number. It’s about clarity, softness, and feel.
The goal is not to micromanage your horse—but to be present in the conversation. Just like your posture affects how your horse moves, your rein length affects how they think and respond.
So check in with your contact often. Not just because someone told you to—but because it tells your horse you’re listening.
And remember, even the best riders in the world adjust their reins constantly. The difference is, they do it so quietly you barely notice.
Homework for this week:
At your next ride, spend the first 5 minutes experimenting gently with your rein length. Try slightly longer, slightly shorter, and pay attention to how your horse responds. Then come back to that straight bit-to-elbow line—and ride from there.
Got questions about finding feel, rein handling, or riding with soft hands? Drop a comment below or send me a message. I’m always here to help riders build that joyful connection from the reins to the heart.
Ride joyfully,
Kacey
