 Likewise, when slowing or stopping, a rider sits deeper in the saddle and closes their hands on the reins, avoiding jerking on the horse or hauling back on the reins in a "heavy-handed" fashion.Change of position of the seat and the pressure of the rider's seat bones are also extremely useful for turning, speeding up and slowing down.There are many factors in the bitting equation which must be considered to get a true estimate of the action and severity of a bit.