Opening Rein... Do you use it?

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RIDMagic

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I'm interested to know people's aids for turning their horse.

Do you use an opening inside rein, or the 'traditional' squeeze on the inside rein?
 
I find an open rein works best for me... I think of inviting the horse, but using my weight and body position for the bend.
 
'Open' if a baby/green to encourage them to open up and go that way for the first part of riding.

On a horse established anymore than that, mostly just body position and tiny squeeze if needed. I find 'open' all the time, encourages to drift out if not backed up with outside leg and rein contact.
 
Opening I find tends to encourage the horse to fall through the shoulder.

To turn, I tend to turn my head and shoulders to where I want to go and use my legs.
 
I should add I probably move my hand around an inch or two, it's not exaggerated (usually). But it's definitely an outwards rather than backwards movement.
 
RiderLizzie said:
Opening I find tends to encourage the horse to fall through the shoulder.

To turn, I tend to turn my head and shoulders to where I want to go and use my legs.
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My pony has had so little schooling and has become so confrontational I've had to take him back to basics, so a willing but imperfect turn is a bonus for me at this point in time. Hopefully one day we can aspire to more.

The main problem I have is he continues to run forward through his outside shoulder. But I think we're making progress.

Thinking about when i ride well schooled horses, I don't consciously move my hands, just my hips, shoulders and head and a bit of leg.
 
Weight aid and movement of seat, body and head towards where I want horse to proceed. Give very slightly on outside rein to allow bend but not to encourage falling in. Keep inside rein soft and allowing. Tbh, I position horse by "thinking" in advance how and where I want us to be, and he usually obliges! But I'm not a very riding by the book person, cos I get v muddled if I try to deconstruct what I am meant to do. I also "sculpt" me and horse by altering rate and depth of my breathing. I'm sure this must sound deluded/grandiose or just downright odd, but it seems to work well enough with the Arabs, and we've even got some frillies along the way, for fun!
 
Yes I thought most people would start a green horse with an opening rein, but it's interesting how many people will continue to use this consistently as a preferred aid, and how many go back to the direct rein or move away from rein aids almost completely for turning.

Just interesting to get an insight!
 
Incidentally I was reading something recently (can't remember the trainer) about opening rein contact, that was basically saying that the reins should always be level (i.e. do not pull back with one rein as so many people are taught is the correct way to turn). An opening inside rein will create a bend in the neck, and with a level outside hand (not 'thrown forward') this will create the correct amount of tension to stop too much bend to the inside... does that makes sense?!

It also said a good way of implementing this is to ride holding the neck strap along with the reins, which will help to keep hands level at all times.

Thoughts?
 
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