By Prof. Eduardo Amaya

I should mention here the importance of using both hands in riding a horse.

Although the reins are normal help in the left hand and the horse is controlled in the same hand, the use of the right hand to assist the left is an essential part in controlling the horse. This is especially important if you consider that most of the time in the game is dedicated to controlling the horse; turning, checking or adjusting till we are ready to hit the ball. Therefore we find the following benefits:

• It will prevent your left arm from becoming fatigued.
• You will be better balanced on top of the horse.
• You will understand the energy levels of your horse better.
• You will know where your horse is playing it’s feet.
• You graduate and perceive the pressure on the bit better. The bits and gags act straight and not obliquely, in this last case when acting only with the left hand.
• Your body will be better balanced when checking or adjusting position on the horse, therefore you wiil save energy. Throughout the game the right hand, which carries the mallet, also helps the left hand slightly. It is important to hold the reins correctly with the palm facing up, holding the bottom rein with the medium, anular and pincky fingers, and the mallet between index and thumb.

When riding with only one hand we cannot centre the body over the horse wither, as a consequence the horse will often turn with it’s head pointing to the left; also using both hands you will achieve turns of equal radius both left and right, something that will not happen if you use only your left