Welcome to Equine Excellence, where we delve into the nuances of horsemanship. One of the most debated topics in the equestrian world involves the use of specialized tack. The Reins Used To Train A Horse are not your everyday equipment; they are specific tools designed to address particular issues or encourage certain developments in a horse’s way of going. Understanding these tools is crucial, as in the right hands, they can be incredibly effective, but in the wrong hands, they can cause more harm than good.
These training aids are designed to influence the horse’s head carriage, encourage flexion at the poll, and promote engagement of the hindquarters. The ultimate goal is always to guide the horse toward a more balanced, supple, and efficient frame, not to force them into an artificial shape. Think of them as temporary support, much like scaffolding on a building under construction, to be removed once the structure is sound. For a deeper understanding of foundational principles, exploring various horse training classes can provide a comprehensive background.
A collection of reins used to train a horse, including side reins and draw reins, displayed on a saddle blanket.
Understanding the Purpose of Training Reins
Before we explore the different types, it’s vital to grasp why a trainer might reach for them. The primary purpose of a training rein is to provide clearer communication or to help the horse understand a concept that is difficult to convey with standard aids alone.
Common goals for using training reins include:
- Encouraging a consistent contact: Helping a horse that is fussy in the mouth or avoids the bit to accept a steady, soft contact.
- Developing topline muscle: Encouraging the horse to lower its head and lift its back, which engages the abdominal muscles and strengthens the entire topline.
- Correcting evasions: Discouraging habits like throwing the head up, rooting the reins down, or over-bending the neck to evade the bit.
- Introducing collection: Assisting the horse in learning to carry more weight on its hindquarters and work in a more uphill frame, a key element in training the young dressage horse.
According to Dr. Sarah Miller, a respected equine behaviorist, “Training reins are a form of dialogue, but one that can easily become a monologue if the rider isn’t listening. They should guide, not demand. The release of pressure when the horse does the right thing is where the actual training happens.”
Types of Training Reins and Their Functions
There are several types of reins used for training, each with a unique mechanism and purpose. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the specific horse and the training goal.
Side Reins
Side reins are perhaps the most common training aid, primarily used for lunging. They consist of two adjustable reins that attach from the bit rings to the surcingle or the billets of the saddle.
- How They Work: Side reins provide a consistent, stationary contact for the horse to work into. When adjusted correctly, they encourage the horse to stretch forward and down into the contact, seeking the release of pressure that comes with a relaxed poll and a rounded frame.
- Best For: Young horses learning to accept contact for the first time, developing balance on the lunge line, and building strength without the weight of a rider. They are a foundational tool for teaching a horse self-carriage.
- Things to Watch For: Incorrect adjustment is the biggest pitfall. If they are too short, they can create a tense, behind-the-vertical frame. If they are too long and loose, they are ineffective. Always attach them after the horse is warmed up and start with a longer, looser setting.
Draw Reins (or Running Reins)
Draw reins are a more advanced tool intended for use while riding. They are a single, long rein that runs from the rider’s hands, through the bit rings, and attaches to the girth—either between the horse’s front legs or at the sides.
- How They Work: Draw reins work on a pulley system, which significantly multiplies the rider’s pressure. Their purpose is to encourage the horse to lower its head and flex at the poll. When the horse lowers its head to the desired position, the pressure is released.
- Best For: Experienced riders working with a horse that is strong, resistant, or consistently evades the bit by raising its head high. They are a corrective tool, not a daily piece of equipment.
- Things to Watch For: Due to the leverage they provide, it is incredibly easy to misuse draw reins. Overuse can lead to a horse that is over-bent, behind the bit, and developing the wrong muscles. They should always be used in conjunction with a standard snaffle rein, with the rider focusing on the snaffle rein as the primary means of communication. Renowned trainer Amira Chichakly horse trainer emphasizes that such tools require an expert’s touch.
German Martingale (Market Harborough)
The German Martingale offers a similar function to draw reins but with a built-in safety feature that prevents the rider from applying excessive force. It consists of a strap that attaches to the girth, splits into two, runs through the bit rings, and clips onto D-rings on the reins.
- How They Work: Like draw reins, it encourages the horse to lower its head. However, because the reins are fixed at a certain point by the D-rings, the leverage is limited. The rider cannot pull the horse’s nose into its chest. The pressure only engages when the horse raises its head beyond a certain point.
- Best For: Riders who need the corrective effect of a draw rein but want a safer, less severe option. It’s excellent for helping a horse understand the concept of flexion without the risk of over-bending. This tool can be particularly useful in various disciplines, including aspects of horse training western.
How Do I Choose the Right Training Reins?
The choice of reins used to train a horse should be made under the guidance of an experienced instructor or trainer. The decision should be based on a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and what the horse needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is the specific problem I’m trying to solve? (e.g., head tossing, leaning on the bit, lack of balance).
- Is this a groundwork or a riding issue? (This will help decide between side reins for lunging and others for riding).
- Do I have the necessary skill and “feel” to use this tool correctly? (Be honest with yourself. Tools like draw reins require very educated hands).
Often, issues that seem to require a training aid can be solved with foundational exercises. For instance, a horse struggling with balance might benefit more from exercises like training a horse to side pass to improve lateral suppleness and engagement before adding specialized reins.
The Golden Rule: Use Sparingly and Wisely
Training reins are not a shortcut to a beautifully trained horse. They are a tool for education, and like any good educational tool, they should eventually become unnecessary. The goal is to teach the horse to carry itself in a balanced frame and respond to light aids, not to become dependent on the equipment.
Always remember to warm up and cool down your horse without the training reins attached. Their use should be limited to specific portions of the training session where you are focusing on a particular goal. By using these reins thoughtfully and correctly, you can help guide your horse to a new level of understanding, strength, and partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can beginners use training reins?
It is generally not recommended. Training reins, especially draw reins, require an independent seat and soft, educated hands to be effective and humane. Misuse can cause physical and mental issues for the horse.
2. How long should side reins be when lunging?
They should be adjusted so the horse can comfortably bring its nose slightly in front of the vertical when its head is in a natural position. You should be able to fit a fist’s width between the rein and the horse’s neck. They should be equal in length on both sides.
3. Are draw reins cruel?
Like any piece of tack, draw reins are not inherently cruel, but their potential for misuse is high. The pulley action multiplies force, and it’s easy for a rider to use them to force a horse’s head down rather than to guide it. They should only be used by professionals for corrective purposes.
4. What’s the difference between running reins and draw reins?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a rein that passes from the rider’s hand, through the bit ring, and to the girth to create leverage that encourages a lower head set.
5. How long should I use training reins on my horse?
They should be used for as short a time as possible. Think of them as a temporary measure to solve a specific problem. Once the horse understands the concept and has built the correct muscle, you should transition back to riding with only your standard snaffle rein.
