Can you use side reins when riding?

Thanks all

my horse is very spooky somedays so side reins may be a complete disaster.....!..

will let you know how i get on with the bungee(s)! :)
 
I prefer a good pair of hands and a willing horse, but then I like a happy horse and a natural outline, propulsion from the rear end.
Draw reins are fine for youngsters for a short while to help the horse balance and come together, but only in professional hands, not the average rider.
 
At a pre training racing yard I worked at. All yearlings were backed in side reins and sent up the gallops in them to discourage rearing or throwing weight around. We'd be told to push them forwards hard otherwise they can easily buck.

Personally I think its an awful way of backing horses. Natural methods are much kinder.

Ask a horse, don't force it.
 
Top