8 months later ... *PICS*

milesjess

milesjess

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8 months after viewing him, do you think he's changed much?

Nov 2010

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Today

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Well as someone has already said the first photos are only head shots so can't say if condition has improved. As for his work, don't know how he was before but he's very overbent in that ridden photo, obviously due to the draw reins.
 
He's changed from winter coat into summer coat? And his tack has changed? can't really see any difference otherwise, looks overbent in the photo with draw reins and not using his back end
 
another one asking why the draw reins?! the way his muscles are developing is very uneven, he almost looks like two different horses stuck together - hes got a very weak bum compared to his front end. I hate making judgements from one photo as it doesn't give a proper sense of the full movement, but from that pic hes not relaxed across his back and using himself properly
 
I think you guys are being abit harsh.
I can see a big difference in his neck alone. Much more muscle and general tone. well done!
If she wants to ride in draw reins thats her choice. What its to every one else. People dont question it when the top riders warm up in draw reins.
 
"People dont question it when the top riders warm up in draw reins." I question it. And op asked if there was any difference, to me, not really, but then the pics aren't very good can't tell from his face
 
It's ok to ride in draw reins but you need to keep the legs on and back end working. If not all you are doing is ratcheting the head in (can be seen by the hands) and making the horse overbent and heavy in front.

You have hit it on the head about top riders, they have the experience to use draw reins correctly in the most part.
 
He's a lovely looking horse! Looks nice and healthy.

Re the draw reins, I don't have anything against them, and have considered using them myself, but in the top "today" pic he does look a bit reeled in and he's not really working from behind and tracking up. IMO it looks like you just need to ask for a bit of impulsion with your legs... It is very easy to judge from just looking at a photo though!! :)
 
Re the draw reins - as agreed with my instructor he is being ridden in them for a couple of weeks. Yes I understand people don't agree with them however he has been improving with them and they are temp only. He isn't over bent when ridden, bear in mind this is one photo during a 30 min schooling session.

I am aware re his back and lack of impulsion. This is one of the main things we are focusing on, getting him to relax and stretch out as due to his confo he has a short, choppy stride.

My instructor is happy with draw reins and reccomends I used them for a few weeks. She's a professional and I will take her advice thanks :)

As for the photos, they are the only ones I had when I initially viewed him! So yeah I understand they aren't the best but if some users can see a difference then I'm sure others can.

Yeah he's gone from winter to summer coat, but that's a change in itself and even I can see a notable change in his general appearance and more of a spark in his face.

Thanks to those who have provided positive, constructive feedback/ comments. I will keep it in mind.

He's a happy, healthy boy. I've had him 8 months and we are still very much getting to know each other and understand each other when it comes to ridden work.
 
Generally I wont use draw reins forces a different outline only use them as a last resort if they are being awkward on their schooling like not listing to me. Using draw reins built up muscle in wrong place behind poll. Judges in the showing class feel for the muscle in the crest where it should be one girl ( snotty madam) had mummy watching saying come on saw him get head down. judge came along felt his neck realized they used draw reins ( no muscle on neck all high up ) and they didn't get placed wouldn't help sniggering to my self .
 
I am glad you answered our questions about the draw reins and yes he does look much brighter and you can tell the lack of impulsion just from 1 photo (i am aware it is one shot from your lesson)
I am aware re his back and lack of impulsion. This is one of the main things we are focusing on, getting him to relax and stretch out as due to his confo he has a short, choppy stride.
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I however would be questionning my instructor if you are wanting him to relax and stretch draw reins are not going to aid this, my horse is exactly the same with lack of relaxation although even then does track up well. With the draw reins you bring his head in and automatically he will tense up due to the pressure from you to get him into a frame. If i am looking for relaxation and stretching we ride with a longer contact for horsey to look for it, the simple trick i have used (prix st george instructor told me) is to ride in a walk and every few strides extend your arms forward and down to allow horsey to look for contact and then bring it back in again, it takes a good 5mins of the warm up but this is how my ex racer is beginning to relax more so, he is much happier in his work since i have been doing this, i am now doing it in trot too although only giving with inside hand as otherwise he will tank off!
 
I'd be another one questioning the instructor. I have an exracer who was like a giraffe and was advised by several instructors to use draw reins to get his high head carraige down and get him to 'relax'. I completely disagree with that concept, and spent over a month in just walk getting him balanced, relaxed and long & low. I really think if you have all the other elements correct then the correct self carraige will slot into place as a result.

I have rarely seen any rider manage to use draw reins to get a horse to relax and stretch down properly. By their very design draw reins instinctively make the horse react a different way.
 
Draw reins *sigh*

Agree with above post.

I cannot understand how any reputable instructor thinks this going to aid a horse in training to become soft and round.... :confused:
 
He is a very handsome boy with a lovely soft eye.....this isn't what you want to hear but I have to agree with the others about the draw reins and the first photo of you riding, one photo in time yes but the one you chose to put up which makes me think perhaps you thought he looked like he was going nicely in it. To me he does look overbent, undertracking and hollow in his back. Yes his shoulders do look as if they have muscled up nicely but failing to work over his back and being on his forehand will cause an imbalance in muscle between the front, topline and back end.

He is lovely looking, and at the end of the day it's up to you how you choose to work him. It's not easy to take criticism off a load of faceless people on the internet, why not speak to your instructor or somebody else you trust who might be able to offer you an alternative and explain the difference and then you can decide.
 
Lovely horse and you obviously think the world of him :D

But (sorry there has to be a 'but') you really should ditch the draw reins and possibly the instructor, neither are doing you or your horse any favours.

As Bigginge says 'It's not easy to take criticism off a load of faceless people on the internet', but I don't think that the criticism is aimed at you, more at the instructor that you're taking advice from ;).
 
I hate seeing draw reins used this way, if you need to use them then have them going between the legs.


I cannot see a difference in condition, only that he looks shinier which should be expected as one set of photos is in the winter and one set in summer.
 
He does look better, yes the coat change will account for that but also, he does look in better condition generally. Looks a nice boy.
 
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