Horse glossary
Contact
A steady, gentle feel on the reins (with instruction).
In Spanish: Contacto
What it means
Contact is the steady, elastic connection between the rider's hands and the horse's mouth through the reins. Good contact feels light and even, like holding hands with someone, not like pulling on a rope. It is one of the steps in the dressage training scale.
Why it matters
Steady contact lets the horse feel small rein signals clearly and trust that the rider's hands won't jab its mouth. That trust helps it relax and move forward into the bit.
Example
Ask your instructor what contact should feel like.
Try this
At the walk and canter, the horse's head moves forward and back, so let your elbows follow it. At the trot the head stays quieter, so keep your hands steady and independent of your body's bounce.
Common mistake
Contact is not the same as a tight rein. Holding the reins too short or pulling to keep the horse's head down causes tension; beginners should ask their instructor what contact should feel like.