hand position in western riding

Question
Where should your right (free) hand be when you are competing in Walk-trot or western pleasure?

Answer
Dear Stephanie,
There are two acceptable positions for your right hand (I assume you are using split reins if you are using rommel reins- e-mail me again). Which position is correct can depend on where you are showing and if you are showing breed or open. In any event- it all comes down to what you prefer. You may hold your right hand straight down (but not locked/rigid) in line with your body- your fingers pointing to the ground- hand beside your right hip. Alternatively, (and you will see this mostly in stock horse breeds) you can bend your right elbow at a right angle (parallel)to the ground so that your hand is in a loose fist to the right of your saddle horn. Personally, I am not fond of the second position- as a judge, it always looks to me as though the rider is attempting to use two hands while the first position forms a better silhouette for the rider- your choice though.
I hope this helps.
S. Evans