Why do cross country riders pull on the reins so much?

Answer 1

In order to have proper communication for collected work, you need to have contact with the horse's mouth. The reins should not be 'tight', actually the connection should be a very light one but the reins should not be hanging loose either. If the horse is moving correctly and is truly obedient and in harmony with his rider, then he should accept contact on the reins without sticking his nose in the air, ducking his nose behind the contact, or otherwise resisting. He should move forward confidently and happily and work in harmony with his rider, using the contact as an aid rather than getting defensive against it.