The Ultimate Guide to Confidence and Control for Young Riders
Helping parents support young riders:
Supporting your child’s riding journey can be enjoyable, challenging and a source of joy and pride. You play a key role in building your child’s confidence, keeping them safe, and helping them grow this passion into a lifelong pursuit.
Designed with young riders in mind, these reins provide the practical support they need to enjoy a more confident riding experience.
Why safety is so important for younger riders:
"I recommend Balanced Support Reins all the time for children and adults alike." - Meg Parkinson, BHS Senior Equestrian Coach.
We understand how tricky it can be to strike the right balance—nurturing your child’s independence while staying close enough to guide and protect them.
Some common challenges young riders might face include:
- Losing control of the horse
- The horse pulling or tossing its head, which can throw them off balance
- Falling if the horse behaves unpredictably
That’s why control and confidence are the foundations of Balanced Support Reins. Our patented reins are designed to:
- Give your child a better seat and more control
- Reduce these common risks
- Give you peace of mind
How Balanced Support Reins help:
Balanced Support Reins help reduce pulling, tossing and rein snatching, making it easier for young riders to stay in control. They also improve stability in the saddle, giving kids the confidence they need to enjoy their riding experience.
Find out what makes Balanced Support Reins different from traditional reins – with our FAQs
"These reins were born out of my own experience as a parent. My daughter Zara loved riding but often felt unsure when her horse didn’t respond as she expected. I designed these reins to help her feel more in control, which completely transformed her confidence and enjoyment. Seeing how much they helped Jess inspired me to make them available to other young riders and their families." – Krissy Bowden, creator of Balanced Support Reins
Building confidence through better control:
Common riding control issues for new riders include pulling, rein snatching and head tossing.
Horses sometimes pull on the reins when they feel unbalanced or confused by unclear signals, which can make it hard for beginners to stay in control. Balanced Support Reins help by giving gentle, steady contact that keeps the horse focused and makes them easier to guide.
Head dropping can happen when a horse gets distracted or wants to ignore what the rider is telling them through the reins. These reins keep the connection clear, so the rider stays balanced and in control – even with a strong-willed pony or horse.
A horse might toss its head when it feels uncomfortable. Or it might be confused by uneven pressure and doesn’t know what the rider wants it to do. Balanced Support Reins make the ride smoother and more comfortable for both the horse and rider.
Practical advice for parents who are new to the sport
What to watch for in riding lessons:
When your child is starting out in riding, there are a few signs that they might need extra support. If they’re struggling to control the horse or unsure how to hold the reins despite being taught. Or keep having to be reminded about their posture or seating. Coloured Rubber Training Reins are the perfect tool to help them get this right every time until it is second nature.
Low confidence or fear can also show up in subtle ways. These could be hesitating to try certain movements like trotting or cantering or preferring to stick to being led rather than riding independently.
These feelings are completely normal, especially as children learn to trust themselves and their horse.
How to support your child as they learn to ride:
Tools like Balanced Support Reins can give them the boost they need to develop their confidence and gradually ride on their own when they’re ready.
Patience and gentle encouragement go a long way in helping your child enjoy and progress in the sport.
Remember, every rider learns at their own pace, and building confidence is just as important as learning technique.
Read our ultimate guide to choosing the right reins.
How to talk to instructors about reins:
If your child is new to riding, it's important to ask the instructor about using reins that provide extra support.
Simply explain that you're looking for a way to help your child feel more secure and confident in the saddle.
If your child rides a school pony or horse, ask if using these reins is allowed and whether the instructor or yard have Balanced Support Reins your child could use.
Tips for more comfortable riding:
- Use reins suitable for the horse’s size and rider’s ability – see our Horse Reins Size Guide and Product Size Guide for more
- Always check equipment before use
- Fit and adjust the reins correctly
- Practice in a safe, controlled environment before heading out
Frequently asked questions:
When it comes to our reins, we find there are some common questions people ask us like:
- Are these reins suitable for beginners?
- How do these reins improve safety?
- Are they allowed in competitions?
- What makes Balanced Support Reins different?
Find the answers to these questions and what sets Balanced Support Reins apart from traditional reins.
Invest in increased confidence for your child
Balanced Support Reins are available to buy on our website, shipping internationally and from our approved stockists.