Side reins!

SmartiePants

SmartiePants

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2 September 2010
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Hello, I am doing a portfolio on the use of side reins and was wondering if you'd all be able to give me your opinions. :)

What is your overall opinion of side reins?
How do you feel they effect the horses way of going?
Do you think they effect the horses welfare?
What could you use instead of?

Thank you all! x
 
SmartiePants said:
Hello, I am doing a portfolio on the use of side reins and was wondering if you'd all be able to give me your opinions. :)

What is your overall opinion of side reins?
i like them!
How do you feel they effect the horses way of going?
used correctly, they affect the horse positively
Do you think they effect the horses welfare?
no more than riding it using normal reins
What could you use instead of?
two long lines. Tried every other gadget and the old traditional ways are the best

Thank you all! x
Click to expand...

Hope that's ok.
 
I own some but don't use them. The only time I have ever seen them used to help the horse was in an SRS demo. I don't really know how to benefit my horse with side reins and I don't know anyone who does - they aren't like a normal rein - they attach to the bit at a completely different angle giving a completely different feel. In hand work and correct riding is easier to learn and more useful.
 
Affect not effect

Sorry I'm not normally a spelling nazi but this is a question for an academic study and therefore the meaning of words is important.
 
ah, you see-I generally try to avoid elastic inserts-there are a few schools of thought on those, horses for courses.
as for attaching to the bit at the wrong angle, well they don't need to, they should actually work like normal reins and be attached to the higher rings on a roller-otherwise they will indeed work on the bars of the horses mouth and also put the horse behind the bit and on the forehand.
I don't like their use on youngsters for that reason, they are useful for more advanced horses that are strong enough behind to work properly.
 
SmartiePants said:
Hello, I am doing a portfolio on the use of side reins and was wondering if you'd all be able to give me your opinions. :)

What is your overall opinion of side reins?
How do you feel they effect the horses way of going?
Do you think they effect the horses welfare?
What could you use instead of?

Thank you all! x
Click to expand...

I use them on my 4yo attached to D rings on saddle. They have rubber doughnuts in the middle and are NEVER tight as I see some (head strapped to chest scenarios!) He's warmed up without them then he's lunged in them for 15/20 mins once or twice a week. I think used properly they're beneficial. But as with all things, many people don't agree.
 
I may use very occasionally but will not use ones with elastic inserts or rubber bungee as I think a little give is much more inconsistent and difficult for the horse to understand.
Personally I prefer to use Vienna riens in most situations when side riens would be used as the horse can adjust and experiment with it's self carriage and balance much more .
 
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