Following on from Side Reins Post - Would you ride in a Lungee Bungee?

[Flame_]

They used to make a couple of horses do lessons in those elasticasted bungees when I was at college. I didn't like it then but as a student you just tend to go with the flow. Now if someone told me to get on a horse in one I'd tell them where to go.

In a way I suppose they're not as dangerous as side reins because they can stretch a lot, but there is always a slight pressure that the rider can't release. In a way I think they're worse because the pressure's on the poll as well as the mouth.

So, was our main teacher a daft bint or was it OK because, either the horses were used to it, or because its OK to ride in them anyway?

What do you think?

 

[PapaFrita]

I thought they were designed to be ridden in?
I personally wouldn't have a problem with riding with them on.

 

[Paint it Lucky]

Although I have never ridden in them myself I'd imagine they're kinder than say draw reins as atleast they have give in them. And so long as they're not put on too tightly they shouldn't restrict the horse at all. I'd think they'd be fine so long as, like everything the horse was allowed to get used to them gradually, eg. don't just stick them on tightly on a horse that's used to going hollow and expect it to work in outline for an hour! And so long as the students know they are there to help rather than be relied upon. And also so long as the students are taught that they still have to ride the horses forwards and that having the head down isn't the be all and end all of riding.

 

[saddlesore]

I agree, much safer to use than side reins. Fully elasticated, attach to dee rings so unlikely to tip horses onto the forehand (i.e not sitting low) and CAN be easily adjusted from the saddle