Lungeing - side reins?

[chestnut cob]

Hi guys,

Does anyone lunge their horses with side reins attached to the girth between the front legs, rather than to the side of the roller (more usual set up)? Why do you use this method over other lungeing methods?

It was suggested to me during my lesson today. I sometimes lunge the horse with side reins in the standard setup but never between the front legs. I have tried him in a Kavalkade/ draw rein type set up which he doesn't get and has no effect on him whatsoever (I've used this method successfully on my last horse so am doing it correctly, it simply isn't a method that suits current horse).

Thanks

 

[cobwithattitude]

Someone on my yard lunges like this but uses some aid called Vienna reins. I have lunged with lungee bungees over poll, through bit and breastplate then tied onto girth between legs - sounds like a torture instrument but worked and bungees are giving.

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks - I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that Vienna reins is just another name for running side reins? I've done a bit more searching and it seems like running/Vienna reins would work a bit like a Kavalkade, so might not suit my horse since he didn't get on with the latter.

I've been looking at the Equi-Ami but rather than spend £50 or whatever on it, it looks like you'd achieve the same effect with either a Kavalkade or running reins in front, and something around the hindquarters (my physio has always told me to use a bandage tied to the roller rings, to encourage the horse to be aware of and use his HQs better)....

If it helps people to make suggestions, I have a large pony type with a short neck who tends to use the muscle under his neck (which is slowly going away, and he's gradually getting the correct muscle/ topline) and suck back against you, or just stick his head in the air to avoid the contact altogether (I do realise this makes him sound horrible, which he really isn't, just green and needs more/better education). Needs to learn to seek the contact and go FDO, rather than shorten up. Been suggested that side reins between the front legs, or something similar, would help. Any ideas?

 

[be positive]

For a horse that has an overdeveloped muscle under its neck putting a fixed rein between the legs as you describe may make it set against it and use the muscles more, rather than relax and soften downwards it can use the rein as something to brace against.

 

[chestnut cob]

For a horse that has an overdeveloped muscle under its neck putting a fixed rein between the legs as you describe may make it set against it and use the muscles more, rather than relax and soften downwards it can use the rein as something to brace against.

This is what I was wondering... so what would you suggest as an alternative? Of course I'm not wanting to tie his head down, but he does need a bit of help getting the hang of things. I already do flexions and work in hand, but need a bit more help.

 

[Cortez]

Actually Vienna reins are probably the best thing to use on a horse/pony which has a strong under neck as they allow a lot more freedom than most side reins as they allow "slide" up and down and are difficult to set against, but you have to have them correctly adjusted - possibly shorter than a "normal" side rein. AND the horse has to go forwards.

 

[chestnut cob]

Actually Vienna reins are probably the best thing to use on a horse/pony which has a strong under neck as they allow a lot more freedom than most side reins as they allow "slide" up and down and are difficult to set against, but you have to have them correctly adjusted - possibly shorter than a "normal" side rein. AND the horse has to go forwards.

OK, that's interesting, thanks. So can I buy "vienna reins" or will draw reins, attached in the same way, achieve the same effect?

 

[Cortez]

Draw reins probably won't do your job unless you are able to knot them in some way. Vienna reins go from the girth between the legs (same loops there as draw reins) through the bit rings, to the girth and are fastened there.