How do you hold western reins? I know you do it with one hand but I saw a lady riding the other day and she had the reins in one hand with her index finger in the middle of the reins and pointing down.

thumb, rein, index finger pointing downward, rein, middle/ring/pinkie finger. It looked uncomfortable...

That's the way I was taught when I first started riding and the trainer was a lovely western trainer, so I'm pretty sure thats the right way. I still do it on trail rides, it's not uncomfy at all. I think it makes neck reining easier. Morgie neck reins if I hold them westerny, but if I just have my reins in one hand the english way he wont turn or neck rein at all. (for the record; my pony's never been ridden western lol)

It depends on what type of western reins they are. For the split reins, it is customary to put the index finger inbetween and hold with your fingers pointing down (kind of like a closed paw). For romal style reins it is customary to hold them like you'd hold an ice cream cone - thumb on top, fingers closed.

Like the others said, the most common split reins are held in one hand with the index finger in between the reins.

I did not know that.