side reins

[benson21]

quick, probably silly question ( yup, another one!!!)
do side reins come in different sizes? i.e full, pony etc?
which ones are best to use? Some are described as elastic, some not?

 

[Breaker]

Some of the trainers I have spoken to prefer the side reins with elastic in them because they tend to have a little bit more give.

 

[benson21]

I am lunging about 3 times a week with him, and I presumed they would be the best thing to build up his topline? And feel free to stalk me!!! I know I get some good advice from you!!! xx

 

[benson21]

So, should it be side reins, or is there some other way of building topline, without riding?

 

[blood_magik]

you could try a pessoa
i personally use side reins when im lunging - they're great for making him use his back end properly

 

[lilaclomax]

Have a search online for running reins... they give the horse more flexibility to find their own comfort zone with any 'jabbing' on their mouth and work in a similar way to side reins

Also to help engage the hindquarters try tying an elastic bandage onto on side of a roller (3/4 up) go round the rump under the tail but not too loose and tie back on the other side of the roller in the the same height... good luck x

 

[kirstyl]

Yes, side reins do come in different sizes. I personally lunge using both side reins and Pessoa though clearly not at the same time! Side reins are really useful for encouraging your horse to accept and work with a contact. Lots of transitions really help to build up stability of contact. I use the Pessoa to build up topline and it has worked really well on the horses I have used it on. I do think it can be quite confusing for the uneducated horse to be worked in both ie. side reins encouraging more uphill contact and Pessoa encouraging long and low outline. With my current horse, I just worked with side reins on the lunge until he was quite happy with what I was asking of him on board before I did more work with the Pessoa.

Should add, when I am saying both training aids, I do mean used separately in different training sessions!!

 

[benson21]

Update!! tried the lunging with 2 lines tonight, and you have never seen someone get into such a pickle!!! We done it really quite well on the left rein, but going onto the right rein, nope...couldnt possibly do it!! He would go about 6 strides then stop dead, turn and look at me, and then get the reins through his legs, under his tummy, round his ears...everywhere!!! I think we might need to practice!!

 

[NeddyNoodle]

I agree with Pastie2 - master the art of long lining and double lunging and it is a valuable skill to have! It is confusing at first... but well worth it in the long run Just keep practicing and trying out what works best for you to keep everything organized in your hands.

 

[benson21]

use your lunge whip to help you with this.


Bloody hell, which hand do I put that in. I only have 2!!! LOL!!!

 

[Woodykat]

Lunged my boy with 2 reins last night after not having done it for quite a while (always been great with 2reins, never had a problem before), However this time he turned himself into a mummy and bu**ered off around the paddock with them wrapped around everywhere! lol
so funny - after I'd caught him!