Draw Reins - the correct way to use?

[WelshRareBit]

After reading post upon post about them, I was wondering if anyone could describe to me the correct way to use draw reins, I have seen them used a lot - but never really known the correct way to use them - and to what effect.

 

[Jemayni]

I think its basically that your outline has to come from your leg, if you shorten draw reins your horse will bring its head into the right place, but as its not using its back you dont arent actually working the horse correctly. A horse that has been pulled into an outline using draw riens a lot becomes very difficult to engage, because they just drop there head without really working from behind. I think you can also damage their backs etc. So basically you only use them very lightly not forcefully and use them with all the leg you would normally ride with, you have to make sure the horse never drops behind the bit, and not use them for too long!

But with all these things different people have different ways of using them, and correct is different for every person. I work horses in draw riens the way I was taught to by my instructor who events, but this is only one persons onpinion on how to use them, plus I only use them on youngsters, I am sure it is different for older horses again.

 

[not_with_it]

You will probably find that most people have a different answer to this question.

I use mine so that they come into contact when needed, when the horse lifts its head then they come into use and when the horse is correct then they are loose and not puting any pressure on the bit rings. I would never use them so that they had pressure on the bit rings at all times, therefore pulling the horses head in. This just creates a false outline. They are better as a reminder every now and then.

 

[Baggybreeches]

If you are not sure, might I suggest using a Market Harborough instead as they are slightly more balanced in the horses favour. And they are easier as you only have one rein!