Artifical aids

Thats the exact point though. In the right hands they are useful, but in this case, I believe the method presented is the best option taking into accts all factors!!
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P_G!! Thanks! A lot of people don't like draw reins but its cos they don't understand how to use them.

I know how to use my draw reins and they only come into action when the horse evades. My trainer uses them a lot as well but he is German - I guess that says it all!!

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ditto...... (one of my trainers is german, the other is english, but they both use them alot).

If they arent used correctly thats when they cause problems, as with any other 'gadget'
 
I am not arguing about artificial aids, I am stressing that they have their uses if used correctly!! So you may use draw reins with great effect, fab, you obviously know how to use them, howevr I have seen them used in the wrong hands and seen alot of damage done.

Colleen, I have also seen damage done with saddles and bridles incorrectly fitted etc, exactly the same as incorrectly used "gadgets". I am not condemning one gadget, just the hands in which "gadgets" can be incorrectly used in.

Back to OP, IMO less damage can be done with side reins fitted in the way described than badly used draw reins.
 
The good old gadgets debate still lives then
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I have no problem with gadets, used correctly by people who know what they are doing. Unlike the silly cow at my yard who uses draw reins because "horse suffers from sweet itch and draw reins are the only way I can get her to stop throwing her head about"
 
I used to bridge my reins, you can even by bridging reins as well, then he will be pulling against himself. Or one thing I used to get taught was to completly loosen the rein they are holding onto, they want you to support them so don't let them.
 
I use my draw reins on Mac everytime I school him - about 3 times a week.

If he is being good I will just warm up in them then take them off but if he is leaning and not bending listening etc I will keep then on to school him - they have worked wonders with him.

If you can ride and can back them up with your leg I dont see the problem!
 
Exactly my point Holly. I use mine at the mo on my baby horse - just so my hands are not too severe on his baby teeth but it gets backed up with the leg and is much better than having an unhappy horsey who is teething and you have to be too harsh.
 
Ooh dear didn’t realise this would cause such a lively debate!

thanks Tierra, because they are long side reins they are loose when normal head carriage he isn’t penned in at all.
He was working properly from behind and my thighs are killing me today. It was a fab feeling as he grew by several inches when worked properly
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I want to work him properly, leg on into hand etc and hate gadgets but have been getting nowhere flat work wise with him recently. I hate with a passion having the horse penned into an outline with the back end going nowhere. I would rather have him moving forward with his head in the air than forcing his head down. Just confused now and really need some help. I’ve had a few flashes of inspiration from him when schooling so I know he has it in him, just last night really showed me what he can achieve.
Oh boy the thought of being tipped over is just not good!

Lexiedhb – I don’t know as never used artificial aids before, don’t even like martingales! I know everything has its place and it’s my personal preference, just the way I am I suppose. I also don’t like putting any other bit in him other than a snaffle although I have to use a Pelham for showing.

Didn’t get chance in last post to say his kk are all French link and he still leans on them. He has got some scarring around his left mouth which is not on passport so is obviously man made!

I do lots of transitions anyway when schooling, its just hard sometimes as he is so keen, loose schooled him on Tuesday night for example and he spent the first 8 minutes in canter with me just stood there watching him!

Is a harbridge the one that attaches halfway down the reins? If so would that not be similar to what I used last night? Oh boy really am getting confused now!

Lec – thanks for the advice on bits will have a look tonight and see what I can try, local saddlery lets you try for 14 days before buying for a small fee.

I can’t do much lateral work as he is only just learning some bits and does find it quite hard.

KatB – thank you, Pidge hasn’t got his nose hiked in from these side reins, he did not work behind the vertical and I really really don’t want to ride with draw reins. Never have done and never want to – personal preference.

Have tried riding on a really long contact (ie none!) and he just spends his time cantering around…………………. So no good I’m afraid.

So what exactly is the difference between what my instructor did and draw reins! Sorry if this inflames the discussion but I would like to know.
 
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I am not arguing about artificial aids, I am stressing that they have their uses if used correctly!! So you may use draw reins with great effect, fab, you obviously know how to use them, howevr I have seen them used in the wrong hands and seen alot of damage done.

Colleen, I have also seen damage done with saddles and bridles incorrectly fitted etc, exactly the same as incorrectly used "gadgets". I am not condemning one gadget, just the hands in which "gadgets" can be incorrectly used in.

Back to OP, IMO less damage can be done with side reins fitted in the way described than badly used draw reins.

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Keep your hair on there
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My post had some what sarcasm in it
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I see damage with saddles and bridles every day ( not literally, god i have to be careful around here) The last horse that I had , had a badly fitted saddle, it took 8 wks of physio and a £900 fitted saddle to get her right .
I just dont think riding with side reins is the safest , I for one would tend to use draw reins, totally agree that if in the wrong hands they can do alot more damage, but for me I am confident enough to use them , Would only use side reins while lungeing even then , I use them loose
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Pidge: well let us know how you get on with whatever you decide is best for you, I kinda had my opinion changed (about 8 years ago) when I trained with a V good dressage trainer who wouldnt use aids (which was just his personal preference), before that i'd of stuck aids on if i thought it would help. Think yourself lucky he has lots of get up and go, i'd rather that than a horse who was sluggish in the school...... you just have to contain it!!!! I think the main difference with draw reins and your side reins between the legs is that if it entirely came to it you could drop the draw rein and so freeing his head and neck, whereas with the side reins they are permanent clipped on contact that you cant easily from on board free, even if they are loose! Good luck.....
 
Sorry it just seemed everyone was jumping in and sayinmg we were condemning draw reins, when I wasnt, so was just getting myu point that I was specifically moaning against one particular gadget.
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So wasnt blowing up at you, honestly! just exasperates me when you cant say anything without people jumping on you and arguing, even when explained that I wasnt condemning anything!!!
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thank you
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My previous horse was trained to medium level dressage so I know how to ride with plenty of leg to achieve collection, its just that Pidge is not as well trained and I need some help to get him to understand what is required of him. I have to agree with you I prefer a forward going horse, it does make it easier to contain however with Pidge it has been very hard work getting him to accept that leg on does not equal speed but we are getting there. I will preservere and let you know how we get on, but I don't think I will be using draw reins.
 
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Sorry it just seemed everyone was jumping in and sayinmg we were condemning draw reins, when I wasnt, so was just getting myu point that I was specifically moaning against one particular gadget.
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So wasnt blowing up at you, honestly! just exasperates me when you cant say anything without people jumping on you and arguing, even when explained that I wasnt condemning anything!!!
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Apology accepted xx I know what you mean
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