Riding in side reins, would you?

JoBo

JoBo

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Currently reading an article in 'Horse' about building confidence and the lady is riding a Riding School horse in side reins.

So just wondered what people's thoughts on this is? Do you ride in side reins?

I always thought it was a no, no but am I out of touch?
 
I always thought it was a no-no.
I must admit I rode in side reins last month (used them as grass reins so no tension in them unless she tried to eat grass) because she was being REALLY naughty about eating on hacks......didn't work though, she just hauled the saddle down her neck!
 
I can see this going like the side-rein debate but yes. I did this morning. They weren't tight and when the mare worked properly (no, I don't mean over bent, I mean in a nice outline), they were very loose!
 
No I would use draw or running reins if I felt I needed them as they can be released. Fixed reins aren't designed for riding in. I wouldn't use any of them unless I really felt it was necessary.

I do use side reins on the lunge though.
 
I would never do it. Too much can go wrong. What I have done is attach draw reins as side reins. You have the effect of side reins with the flexability and elasticity of your hands and you can still ride with the snaffle rein if you want and only use the side reins as needed.
 
Yes ive ridden in them with them loose as a 'reminder' for my horse x Obviously dont jump in them but for general schooling, used properly they can be a good schooling aid x
 
If you read Alois Podhajsky 'The Riding Teacher' he advocates all riders should learn riding a horse with side reins.

He was Riding Master at the Spanish Riding School for decades. Show ponies with little riders areoften ridden inside reinsto ensure that the pony remains in an outline - even if it is not a true one.

If the horse is happy with the side reins and notlikely to rear or run backwards then it's perfectly OK to ride in them. After all when you are lunged on a horse he will (should) have side reins fitted.
 
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