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 223 reviews
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Ros Oxtoby
Great innovation and quality

Love the quality and the functionality is great provided you continuously check in with yourself. I almost reckon they need another strap underneath to remind to keep the hands upright and not flatten out. All in all a great product innovation and training tool.

Thank you so much for your feedback on our SteadyHands Riding Gloves Rox. We're thrilled to hear that you love the quality and find the functionality to be great. Thank you for choosing our product as your training tool. Happy riding!

P
Priscilla Pigozzi Garofalo
Amazing and safe

I ordered both the gloves that clip together and the exercise band and I love them both. The gloves you can use with any horse and the results are often immediate, they helped me understand inside leg to outside hand on a physical level rather than just rationally and the horses appreciate the steadiness of the contact with them. The bands are very useful and you can feel yourself really working hard when using them, but I would not use them on horses that are particularly spooky or unpredictable. The gloves on the other hand I would recommend using on any and every horse

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review for our SteadyHands Riding Gloves Priscilla! We are thrilled to hear that they have been helpful in improving your communication with your horse. We hope to continue providing you with high-quality products for all your riding needs.

A
Amanda Brewer
Great gloves

Only used a few times and saw a massive muscle memory change - great gloves even without the attachments

Thank you for your positive feedback! We are glad to hear that our SteadyHands Riding Gloves have made a difference in your muscle memory. We strive to provide high-quality products that deliver results. Happy riding!

T
Terrie Hargrove
Outstanding training aide

I gave these as a gift to a friend who really struggled with steady, giving hands which kept her horse backed off from contact. It’s been about a month and she rides with these connected for about 10 minutes each ride. It’s making a huge difference for both she and her horse.

Thank you for your positive review! We're so glad to hear that our SteadyHands Riding Gloves have been helpful in improving your friend's contact with her horse. It's great to know that after just a month of use, there has been a noticeable difference. Keep up the good work! Happy riding!

K
Kelly Frampton
Love these gloves

I really think they are helping with my riding. I love them! And fabulous customer service!

Thank you Kelly for your positive feedback! We are thrilled to hear that our gloves have been beneficial for your riding. Our team takes great pride in providing excellent customer service, and we're glad to hear that it has not gone unnoticed. Happy riding!

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