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.

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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

Based on 214 reviews
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Ginger D
Comfy reminder

Steady hands really help me remember to keep my thumbs up and not to wiggle my hands too much. It’s a really great support in my daily riding.
I was hesitant to buy them for a long period of time, because of the price, but when I got them not only they support so much, but also these are the most comfortable gloves I have ever own.
I can tack up horse wearing them, without any issue. My previous gloves were too slippery or didn’t allow me to fasten small buckles of the bridal. I’m recommending it to everyone in the stable!

K
Kathryn Loftus
So far so good!!

I only rode with them for the first time today. Great fit, nice grip and they come apart easily.I have been recovering from a groin strain so not much riding has been happening. Wearing the gloves felt like it just allowed me to make better use of my body while riding, not relying on my hands so much. Excited!!!!

Hi Kathryn, thank you for leaving a review for our SteadyHands Riding Gloves! We're thrilled to hear that they provided a great fit and grip for your first ride with them. We hope they continue to help with your recovery and make your rides even better. Thank you for choosing our product and happy riding!

A
Ashlee Henshaw
Brilliant

I bought these on a whim as my hands are my biggest weakness - and somehow, in a span of a week my hands have improved drastically. After 12 years (I am a slow learner), I have finally figured out how to hold my hands with and without the gloves to hold them still. It also encourages the use of my legs and is much nicer for my horse’s contact.

Hi Ashlee! Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with our SteadyHands Riding Gloves. We are thrilled to hear that they have made a significant improvement in your hands' stability and have encouraged the use of your legs while riding. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are glad that our product has made a positive impact on your horse's contact as well. Happy riding!

H
Heidi Swanson
This is a MUST HAVE product!

A dressage rider introduced us to these at our H/J barn. We are all hooked now. For me personally, they have made a complete change with the effortless communication with my horse. Honestly, I feel that every trainer should require these of their students. Imagine the next generation of riders having soft supple communication…we require helmets for riders, these gloves should be a requirement to ride horses. Thank you for this product!!!!

Hi Heidi! Thank you for your wonderful review and for sharing your positive experience with our SteadyHands Riding Gloves. We are thrilled to hear that they have made such a significant difference in your communication with your horse. We appreciate your support and we hope to continue providing you with quality products that enhance your riding experience.

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Michelle Mathes
Steady Hands - Thumbs Up!

These gloves are worth purchasing to increase hand awareness. The Velcro is strong enough to maintain tension but readily releases when you need your hands. They are not binding. These aren't for everyday riding, more like an exercise for gaining spatial awareness. Gets your brain thinking differently about your hand position.

Hi Michelle, thank you for leaving a review for our SteadyHands Riding Gloves. We're thrilled to hear that they have helped increase your hand awareness. Thank you for choosing our product and happy riding!

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