What is the purpose of putting a bight in the reins?

The purpose of putting a bight in the reins is to create a loop of extra rein behind the rider's hand. This technique allows the rider to have a bit of additional length in the reins while maintaining control over the horse. By creating a bight, the rider can easily adjust the tension and feel in the reins, which is especially useful when negotiating tighter turns or when additional rein length is needed momentarily. It facilitates communication between the rider and the horse without losing overall control, as it ensures that the rider's hands are still engaged and ready to react to the horse's movements.

While the other options relate to different aspects of riding and control, they do not specifically align with the function of a bight in the reins. For instance, holding the reins at a shorter length directly alters the control mechanism, rather than providing quick adjustability. Additionally, the purpose of preventing the horse from pulling involves different training techniques and equipment rather than merely putting a bight in the reins. Securing the saddle is unrelated, as it pertains to different preparations in saddle fitting and riding safety.