free schooling alternative to side reins

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Cassy

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I have just begun free schooling my horse and without some restraint she bucks and charges round at great speed. Last week I tried side reins and she was much calmer but after a couple of sessions I noticed her mouth had a cut at the side.(I felt very guilty). Can anyone suggest a schooling aid I could use which doesn't attach to the reins but has the same effect. I have a dually halter but am not sure whether you sould attach side reins to this as it creates a constant pressure across the nose which goes against the pressure and release theory when your horse just pulls rather than gives.
Thanks
 
Do "free schooling" and side reins really go together?
Has she learned voice commands on the lunge first?
What size of arena are you working in? How are you encouraging her to move? Loose work depends a lot on your own energy and how you use it. If she is being above herself after the initial few minutes letting off steam, try asking her to change direction frequently, this will focus her attention on you and you can allow her to slow down and come in to you, when she is ready.
I love loose work, we do agility with our horses, you can develop a great relationship, but it doesn't happen overnight!
 
What intouch said ^^^^^

Free schooling should be free! And loads of fun. Sounds as though your horse has a fair amount of energy - maybe try asking your instructor to help you free school over jumps or trotting poles, that way horse will naturally go into a shape over them.

I would free school with horse naked (you can wear clothes though!).
 
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