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 197 reviews
89%
(175)
7%
(13)
3%
(5)
2%
(4)
0%
(0)
X
Xander Noë
It helps

The gloves help to become award that you can do less with your hands. The respons of the horse is great.

S
S K Marsh
Kept hands together so horse went in lovely frame

Good quality & horse was much more willing & forward to the aids

Thank you for your feedback, we are always so pleased to hear that wearing the gloves not only helps riders, but also benefits their horses.

L
Lizelle Van Tonder
Didn’t expect them to be such a game changer

I didn’t know what to expect and just thought they would keep my hands still and together. But what i felt instead was a sudden activation of my core and my seat immediately improve. By having to rely less on my hands for balance my entire seat changed. My horse horse went into frame so nicely, and i definitely felt more aware of the rest of my body. I actually don’t believe it took me this long to get them! No i can’t school without them and recommend them to everyone!

Hello Lizelle, we really appreciate your five star review with such lovely feedback. We want our products to be game changes for our valued customers and also for their wonderful horses. So pleased that you found more benefit than just still hands. Happy Riding. :)

V
Victoria Whitehead
Perfect training aid

This is a great product. Makes you check yourself if you ride a bit handsey or less still. My trainer is recommending this product for other students who have similar issues.

Thank you for your wonderful review Victoria. We are so pleased that you have noticed a difference in your hand position. Please thank your trainer for recommending us.

J
Jacci Smith
Impressed!

Great idea, great business and great customer care!! 🙏

Thank you Jacci, we do our best to look after our valued customers. :)

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