Fiddling with the reins
The gloves are not so restrictive that they completely prevent the rider from being able to move their hands and fiddle, but they bring a huge amount of awareness to hand movements. Riders use that real-time feedback to quiet their hands - they really work!
"Pram" or downward facing hands
By using the elasticised strap as a gentle resistance band, riders activate the muscle chain that helps to keep thumbs facing the sky and palms facing each other. Regular, focused use of the gloves over at least a month is required to fix this habit.
Hands too wide
The strap bridging the gloves helps regulate the width of the rider's hands. The width can be adjusted depending on the rider's ability and comfort, and riders can gradually bring their hands to the "ideal" bit-width apart.
Hands too low
Riders will be able to use the strap as a gentle assistance to keep elbows bent, which naturally brings hands higher and ensures a straight bit-hand-elbow line for optimal contact and soft, following connection.
Overreliance on reins
The gentle guidance from the strap helps riders to minimise hand movements, whether due to wanting to fix issues from the hands (instead of using legs and seat), or due to imbalance. Riders report having more awareness of how much they are inadvertently using their reins, and being reminded to use their seat and legs instead.
Hands moving around
The SteadyHands gloves strap is positioned across the back of the hands in a way that it brings an incredible amount of proprioception (spatial awareness) to the rider's hands. This assists riders to keep their hands steady, along with the benefits to hand position that come from wearing the gloves regularly.
Hands now working as a pair
With the strap bridging the hands safely, riders gain noticeably increased cross-hand awareness and are able to have the hands working as a pair. This does not mean the hands have to each do the exact same thing, but that they "talk to each other" through the rider's brain, so the rider is aware of what each hand is doing.
How to get the most out of your SteadyHands Gloves
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How Often
We recommend using SteadyHands at least once per week. You may use them every ride if you wish, especially during focused training phases.
How this helps:Consistent repetition builds new neural pathways. Regular use increases proprioception and helps improved hand habits become automatic.
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For How Long
Use SteadyHands for approximately 15 minutes per ride over a period of one month. This provides sufficient repetition for meaningful habit change.
How this helps:Sustained practice activates stabilising muscle chains and reinforces correct hand position, posture and contact.
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What To Do
Gently press your hands outward against the elasticised strap while maintaining soft contact. Keep your elbows bent and your shoulders relaxed.
How this helps:This engagement activates key muscles including the deltoids, latissimus dorsi, serratus and core muscles, promoting stability and steadier hands.
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Safety First
The strap includes a quick release safety clip. It holds under steady pressure but disengages immediately with a short sharp movement.
How this helps:If your horse spooks or you lose balance, the gloves separate instantly so you can ride as normal. Test the clip regularly to ensure proper function.
