are they Bb's or G's? We use the Bb Kanstul's at spirit and had a hard time trying to figure out how to hold them last year. We mash the valves with the right hand and have the left hand on the pipe that sticks out the farthest. On the Bb's there is a curve about half way through the pipe, which is where we put our left hand. From there you can get good leverage to snap the horn up. At trail we hold the pipe that is for the third valve. They are pretty awkward horns to hold, but its worth it.