holding reins

Question
Hello, I have a 24 yr. old gelding QH retired from the team roping circuit, given to me to learn on.  The owner who gave him to me said he's a mature, quiet and well-trained horse.  I agree.  The past 4 years this owner has helped me learn to ride (I was a new rider when I got him)and take care of my "baby" including holding the reins in my left hand only, for neck-reining.  Well, I've since moved to a new barn which has summer clinics (I've joined their summer riding club) and I've received lots of criticism on my one handed reining technique and that my left arm is held out too straight and I keep a knot in the end of the reins (so I don't drop them and lose them which happened to me once in the beginning)  Everything I do is because my friend (the owner) taught me and he was an experienced "cowboy" so I trusted his advice.  NOw I'm in a habit and feel like a loser getting all these other instructors (they have great reputations I hear - well-known)telling me I shouldn't do it that way.  I feel very awkward holding with 2 hands and my horse senses my confusion.  We look like we can't even steer properly anymore.  I used to get compliments on my riding until this clinic.  So who's right?  I'm getting confused and discouraged. Please help me. Thanks. Lori

Answer
Dear Lori:
Ah well, everyone is an expert I suppose. The big question is: are you riding for pleasure or are you riding to show? Frankly, if you're riding for pleasure- the semantics of how you hold your reins are meaningless as long as you hold them firmly and are sensitive to your horse's mouth. Since it sounds as though you are riding with split reins- your horse's former owner was wise to suggest that you knot your reins until at least you are confident that you won't drop them. Can you have them knotted in the show ring? No. Is this important to you? I don't know. In terms of correct western equitation (and again, this is really for the benefit of those wishing to show)your upper arm should be tucked in close to your body, your elbow bent and forearm parallel to the ground. There should be a straight vertical line between your ear, your elbow and your heel. You may place ONE finger between your split reins and there is no rule as to which one- though most ridersplace their index finger between. Again- these are semantics- if you're a recreational rider- it really isn't that important. Have fun and enjoy your horse.
S. Evans
By the way- whoever suggested that you ride with two hands on an aged horse was wrong except for schooling this is illegal unless the horse is five or under and you're using a snaffle. It is never legal to two hand in a curb regardless of the horse's age. There are some good diagrams on the AQHA website rules section- see western equitation.