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 203 reviews
89%
(180)
6%
(13)
2%
(5)
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Natalie Gifford
MAGIC!!

Ok, I’m an adult beginner and I’ve been struggling with position and my hands and so many things.
I’m not paid to say this. I bought the gloves with my own money. ONE RIDE. One ride and it changed everything for me. I noticed my horse’s transitions have been more seamless, I sit better, I’m so much more balanced in canter. It’s like how can a pair of gloves do all that? It’s amazing! I’m so glad I got these gloves and I can’t wait to keep improving and building! Already looking into other products!

C
Claire Dufour
Great tule

I really appreciate the gloves and looking for the elastic straps
As an osteopath I really feel and notice the postural effect and the core strenghtening
If you want me to prompt here in Quebec let me know

C
Customer
Great gloves

These gloves have been very helpful. They have enabled me to discover exactly where my contact is going wrong. The differences can be subtle and these gloves Pic them up. This product is a really good investment in your riding.

Thank you so much for your positive review! We are thrilled to hear that our SteadyHands Riding Gloves have helped you improve your contact while riding. We truly believe in the value of our product and are happy to hear it has been a great investment for you. Happy riding!

J
Jennie Gilliver
Love the gloves

Just started using the steady hands gloves. They are great with the quality of the gloves themselves being very good. Soft and comfortable to wear, and the release clip works well. They do not over restrict your hands but keep them in the right spot. My brain seemed to click in and keep my hands in a much better position. Yes I would be happy to recommend .
My hands are small and I would normally take a size small in a glove, and ordered a small and they fit nicely.

Thank you for your positive review! We are thrilled to hear that you are loving our SteadyHands Riding Gloves. We are also glad to hear that they are helping to keep your hands in the right position. Thank you for recommending us. Happy riding!

E
Eveliina Ohlsson
Jännitys

Mielestäni käteni tuli entistä jännittyneemmiksi. En saa sitä apua mitä halusin. Ehkä pitää vain tottua

Hi Eveliina, I’m sorry you are not feeling the benefit of the gloves. Can you please tell us where you are feeling the tension? We will try to help you and see if they can help. You can even send us a video and we can try to help, we have a number of accredited coaches on our team.

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