The science behind SteadyHands gloves and how to get the most out of them

The short version...

SteadyHands gloves are linked by an elasticised Velcro band with a quick-release clip.

The band can be adjusted to keep your hands at a wider or shorter distance apart.

The clip releases very easily with a short sharp movement, but under constant pressure stays clipped up.

You will use the band like a resistance band, and push your hands slightly apart against it.

This will engage the correct muscles to keep your hands:

1. Upright

2. The correct distance apart

3. In a forward-feeling position

4. Steadier

You will also notice that you are using less hand, and more seat and leg - and your horse becomes happier as a result.

The long version...

The band that links the SteadyHands gloves together (which is adjustable, elasticised and equipped with a safety-release clip) acts as a resistance band across the back of the rider's hands.

By pushing slightly against the band, the rider will engage the muscles of the back, shoulders and upper arms, specifically:

1. Deltoids

2. Latissimus dorsi

3. Serratus

4. Pectoral muscles

5. Abdominal muscles

6. Triceps

7. Brachioradialis

All these muscles work in conjunction to stabilise the rider's seat and arms, resulting in better contact and hand position. Many riders also report an improvement in the effectiveness of their seat.

SteadyHands gloves are not designed as a crutch. Once the rider has felt which muscles to engage, try to see how long you can keep them activated without wearing the gloves. Over time, you will use SteadyHands less.

Having said that, even advanced riders competing at the highest levels use SteadyHands gloves to make minute refinements to their contact.

GET YOUR PAIR

Which muscles are activated?

The following muscles all work in conjunction to stabilise the seat and the hand position. As most riders know, it is impossible to have a good hand position if the rider's seat is defective.

Although SteadyHands gloves act directly on the hands, they engage muscle chains which also affect the seat.

This is why most riders who use SteadyHands gloves report an improvement in their seat as well as their hand position.

Deltoids

These muscles provide dynamic stability of the shoulders. In horse riders, when correctly engaged, they help to keep the shoulders back.

Latissimus dorsi

These muscles stabilise the spine and support good posture. They are important to keep a good, upright position without slouching.

Serratus

This muscles connects the shoulders to the rider's core, and is crucial to good posture. It is a deep muscle but when engaged, it is a very important stabiliser.

Pectoral muscles

These are one of the largest muscles in the upper body and they play a key role in stabilising the shoulders and combatting slouching.

Abdominal muscles

Most riders know that engaged core muscles are the cornerstone of a stable and supple seat. Through the activation of muscles chains, core muscles are engaged when using SteadyHands gloves.

Triceps

These upper arm muscles help riders to keep their arms by their side and stabilise the shoulders. They provide (along with other muscles) the ability to keep the contact forward feeling without moving the upper body forwards.

Brachioradialis

These are the large forearm muscles, which primarily flex the forearm at the elbow. Properly engaged, they stabilise and encourage a bend in the elbows. This is key to achieving a steady contact, as the elbow is often thought of as the link between the seat and the bit.

Customer Reviews

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J
Julie Malcolm, Ridewell Trainwell, Dressage and Rider Biomechanics Coach
Give such good feedback

I've found the steady hand gloves to provide useful feedback and make lasting changes for my clients.
In the past I've used theraband wrist bands to help riders notice when their hands go wrong and to notice what they need to recruit to keep a push out and forward with the wrist band. The gloves are so much easier to use. They are safer, having a breakaway clasp, and riders can easily use them for 5-10 minutes, then undo the strap and carry on riding and then reattach as required to build their muscle memory.

Julie Malcolm
Dressage and Rider Biomechanics Coach
Ridewell Trainwell

N
Nora Kr
Excellent

A must have gloves for beginners!

L
Liz G
Steady Heads

Fantastic product! Well made, super safe and great for brain training and showing up hands doing wonky things!! Just wonderful🙂

L
Laura
Love these gloves

I love these gloves! They help me be more aware of my hands and have helped me to keep my reins even and posture more straight! They are also really lovely gloves to ride in. Soft and not too hot.

M
MinsterTilster
Gloves

Really do what it says on the tin 🙂 only downside I ride on roads mainly ( no choice) turning right or waving traffic on means I'm continually "poping the link" fortunately it is easy to unclip/ reclip and seems robust. When I use the manege really good makes me aware of my hands so I can relax them but still hold them steady and maintain a soft more consistent contact x highly recommend

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