Please explain the 'training rein' gadget to me

[Event_girl]

My friend has started using the John Whitaker training rein on her horse. It is elastic and goes over the poll, through the bit and attaches to the girth between the legs.

She pushes the horse forward enough so it is actually encouraging the horse go into an outline, however, when she takes it off, the horse just sticks his head up again.

Now I understand 'gadgets' such as the Pessoa and chambon, they are for lunging in only, and I use them sometimes myself, but I don't understand how these ridden gadgets are actually going to help horse and rider in the future? As soon as the 'training rein' comes off, horse goes back to its original way of going.

Can anyone explain?

 

[*hic*]

In theory whilst the training rein is on the horse is developing muscles which will enable it to maintain the shape once the rein is off.

 

[kirstykate]

Sorry to be blunt but its crap riding

 

[Event_girl]

Sorry to be blunt but its crap riding

This is what I think too, but was hoping someone may say I'm wrong!

 

[be positive]

Any gadget can be used to "fix" a problem but unless the rider understands how to use them as soon as they come off the problem returns.

The rein you describe is going to help encourage the horse to stretch and use its topline, if ridden correctly it should only come into play when the horse resists, the rest of the time it should be loose and the horse working into the direct rein contact, if it is not working into the direct rein on the riders aids and just relying on the gadget as soon as it comes off you are back where you started.

It is why short cuts rarely work, they can be useful in the right hands but are not the "cure all" they are advertised as, there is no real short cut to properly schooling your horse.

 

[kirstykate]

This is what I think too, but was hoping someone may say I'm wrong!

Great minds think a like I can tell you one thing you would never see any of the Whitakers using it

 

[Polotash]

In theory whilst the training rein is on the horse is developing muscles which will enable it to maintain the shape once the rein is off.

And they teach the rider where the horse should be, so they learn to ride and support them in that position without the gadget.

 

[Goldenstar]

It's sounds like its being used as a hold the head down aid not a training aid.

 

[CobsGalore]

Sounds like it is too tight to me, as others say it should only come into play when the horse resists.

I borrowed one of these once, didn't like it at all and took it off after 5 minutes.

 

[Event_girl]

Thanks, from what you are all saying it does sound like it isn't lose enough

 

[kirstykate]

Tell your friend to find a good trainer

 

[Wagtail]

Ridden training aids are c*ap. That includes draw reins, de gouge (when used ridden), Bungee etc. They teach the horse and rider nothing.

 

[Event_girl]

Yeah I just don't think ridden gadgets really work. I totally get lunging gadgets, but not ridden ones.

 

[Polotash]

If the bungee thingy is too tight slip a flash attachment over the girth, and then clip the bungee onto itself through the flash - this extends it.

Used properly and sparingly they have their place...