draw reins........again!

Have to agree with the people who suggest that draw reins are tough to use properly and the horse has to be really forward going. Sounds to me like your horse may dislike the draw reins quite a bit and they may even give her a fright.

I would keep working her from the leg and the seat and waiting for her to come through. Loads of circles, especially getting her to accept the inside leg, lateral work and transitions should help more than draw reins.
 
In your individual circumstance, I would agree that finding an instructor to work with is the answer.

However, I have sucessfully used draw reins on former polo ponies. They way they are taught to go, the way their muscles develop makes it really hard for them to work in an outline. Using draw reins for a few minutes at a time, over a course of multiple weeks, helps them develop the correct muscles to work in an outline - they need to be worked in order to develop and strengthen, but at the same time they don't have the muscles to work correctly - draw reins help overcome the catch 22.
 
like all things (whips, spurs etc) theres nothing wrong with draw reins if they are used properly.

im using them at the moment under instructor advice and guidance, and im getting brilliant results.

infact i can show you the totally visible difference - with them on and off. i'll pm you a piccy rather than take over your thread.

I'm definately not holding the front end in or down, infact im using them more to free up her jaw as she is so dry and tight in the mouth. her back is lovely and loose and im really able to push her up from behind now.
Shes just had bowen recently and had no tight spots in her back for once, and the physio said her back is far better this year than it was last yr (pre draw rein use when she was fighting me all the time) so i would say that used correctly in the right situation they can be a good tool.
 
What a nice little mare - and a BIG improvement in the pics - even allowing for 'clipped' to summer coat. She's carrying more condition in the summer pics, and has built up both topline and hindquarters.

Having worked with polo ponies, and mares, I would say DON'T use draw reins!! What I WOULD suggest is that you shorten your reins and give her a GIVING contact to work to. People confuse 'light' rein with long rein! A horse CAN'T learn to work into the contact unless the contact is there! It must be a soft and yielding contact to start with - but it MUST be there. Looking at the second summer pic (and I appreciate this is just a snapshot in time) your reins are VERY long and you are doing 'nasty' things with your left hand (bending it down) - your right hand is as I'd want it.

You have a good position. Think about shortening your reins at LEAST 6 inches (if you had a lesson with Kate Attlee she'd be telling you to shorten them by 3 feet!) - and keeping your elbow VERY relaxed so your hand slightly follows your horse's head movement. DON'T twiddle with the reins - a quiet, still, contact is what you want - if she evades, use your LEGS! If she leans on the reins, immediately push one hand forward - taking away her ability to lean on your hand.

When schooling, try to encourage her to work long and low by OFFERING a little rein while quietly pushing forward. Don't throw the reins at her - she must take the contact with her. This will encourage her to soften through the back and relax her jaw.

You'll get there if you remain focussed on your objectives - a forward-going horse who ACCEPTS the bit. Ignore those who suggest gadgets - she's a polo pony - she's HAD gadgets!!
 
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