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 230 reviews
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Margaret Brady
Great training tool

Gloves are comfortable and once your hands are in position, you barely notice the strap. They don't breathe very well though so if your hands sweat, the gloves might be a bit damp the next day. They work for flat and jumping and release easily if needed, but they definitely make a difference in positioning your hands correctly.

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Denise Wilson
Ok

I feel these gloves might help someone with uneven hands or who moves them too much. For me it didn't really help. A fraction too tight in the length of the strap and I lost all feeling with the bit. A fraction too loose and they lose the sensation of keeping hands level. I can see their value in some cases but I prefer to go on feel - and arena mirrors for those lucky enough to have them. Practise is the key.

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Crystal Jenkins
Once you feel the correct way, it’s easy to find it automatically without looking.

Have trained in these gloves for a month now. They keep your hands exactly where they should be and remind you sub consciously, when you are not attached. The feeling is instant, after just a few minutes it all clicks into place. Clever, simple bit of kit. I start my flat training with my hands strapped, then undo the Velcro strap to jump.

User picture

Thank you for sharing your experience with our SteadyHands Riding Gloves Crystal! We're thrilled to hear that they have been helpful in keeping your hands in the correct position while riding. Happy riding!

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Shanara Dowell
Excellent

Love these gloves , helps with my unsteady hands to build muscle where I have lost through having weak shoulders from surgery. Will be be recommending

Thank you for your positive feedback Shanara! We are thrilled to hear that our SteadyHands Riding Gloves have been helpful for you in building muscle and improving your grip. We hope they continue to provide support and assistance during your recovery. Thank you for recommending our product. Happy riding!

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Sarah Körber
Tolle Handschuhe

Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit den Handschuhen. Sie erfüllen ihre Aufgabe wirklich gut. Ein kleiner Nachteil ist das Material, meine Hände schwitzen recht doll.

Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, unsere SteadyHands Reithandschuhe zu bewerten, Sarah. Wir freuen uns, dass sie Ihnen gut gefallen. Wir entschuldigen uns für etwaige Unannehmlichkeiten, die durch das Material verursacht werden, und werden Ihr Feedback an unser Produktentwicklungsteam für zukünftige Verbesserungen weiterleiten. Viel Spaß beim Reiten!

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