Side Reins.

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maddielove

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SHould proabably post this in stable yard but think i may get more help from here.

I have been reccomended to use side reins on my mare as she is possibly the most stubborn horse to walk this planet and asking her to work in an outline/across her back. Both me and a very experienced rider who decided to try get me to get her working properly worked on her for more than an hour and a half and yet she still resisted. However I know she can do it as she does it when i dont ask her and works so lovely!

She uses her back end autimatically and with qute alot of impulsion too but is very resistant to drop her head.
I have had lessons but it my instructor just believed she was poorly schooled...but she can do it...anyway!!!

I have a feeling some preople may not like side reins that much but really something has to be done..so i am now looking at side reins.
I don't know whether to go for elasticated inserts or no as i feel she may take advantage of the give plus i have read it may ecourage horses to lean...and she's only just stopped her leaning habits so i'm not sure...

SOrry for this very long waffling post but i would really appreciate and comments...

[p.s...i know how to fir and use side reins
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Good luck to you. One of my boarders just had a potentially serious accident because the fool rode his horse in side reins. Needless to say, he doesn't anymore!
 
Sorry, but I would NEVER get onto the back of a horse that had side reins attached.....other than on the lunge, although even then I feel uncomfortable doing it.
I've used them occasionally for lunging without a rider, but much prefer to use either a bungee type attachment, or for ridden work a Harbridge.

Just bear in mind that you can force your horse into an outline as much as you like, but that is a very false way of going and as soon as you let her 'loose' she'll revert to what she's comfortable with. I really do think you'd be better off finding out why she won't work in an outline rather than trying to force her into one.

Bethxx
 
I've pretty much sussed it's a combination of stubborness and lack of muscles acoss her back...
It just frustrates me so much how she can do it...but when i ask her to she wont.
 
Ah, then you have to work on developing those muscles in a way that you are both comfortable with. Lots of lateral work, transitions, and getting her working forwards with impulsion, not just pulling you along.
Reward any signs of her 'giving' by giving back....if you try to haul her into an outline she's going to pull back, then neither of you are going to win, and schooling sessions are just going to be an excuse for an argument.
 
I hope my work starts paying off soon!
over winter she's changed dramatically..we've schooled about 4 times a week...and she's muscled up her bum....and i think she's got a tiny bit more back muscle...but still not suffieient amounts..
I think i may try lunging in side reins...but just remebering this...i have a pessoa...think it might be useful?
 
try lunging her in a chambon, this will have make her work long and low and build up her back muscles. Have someone show you first as if not used correctly can cause the horse to go up which isnt recommended! Side reins wont help with her back muscles and forcing her into a position will be counter productive. M.
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Yes!!Use the pessoa...I think it's far more useful than side reins, which I find quite restrictive.
It sounds like you really are making progress, and I know it may not be quick enough for you(and I share that same sense of frustration when things aren't going my way), but she's starting to develop, and use, muscles that have been inactive.....you only have to go to a gym to know that the next day you ACHE!!
Also try schooling when you're out hacking as horses are generally more forward and she can work without even noticing that she is, plus you get to enjoy a ride out and feel a sense of accomplishment at the same time.

Good luck with her

Bethxx
 
Hello! First of all you need to get your horse truly active and moving forwards, if this is not happening already.

Maybe start on the lunge where you can be in a 'driving' position and really get your horse moving off your aids/voice. It's no use contiually applying leg/lunge aids when you are schooling if you are getting no reaction. You may need to be more assertive with your leg/lunging aids and then when you get a reaction reward by backing off with that aid.

Once your horse is going forward I would suggest lunging with side reins (I agree riding with side reins is a definite no-no). Try some elastic ones.... Don't have them too tight because all you will be doing in hauling your horse's head in which is not a true outline. You want your horse working from behind and stretching over the top line into the contact. You may find to start with your horse evades the side reins but don't be tempted to tighten them too much. It may take a number of sessions for her to stretch and relax into the contact.

Once this lunging is progressing then consider riding thinking inside leg to outside hand, not hauling the head in with the reins.... NO SIDE REINS when ridden thow...
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Good luck

(Also in your original post you talked about working her for 1h 30 mins...really I think you'd be better shortening your sessions and making them focused.....it's quite a long time to school for....)
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I shall go with the pessoa! havent used is since i changed her bit...which was really the breakthrough in her working..

The hour and a half riding was just trying not to give into her...she is just so stubborn!
normally i ride for about 45 mins 4/5 times a week.

Also she's great our hacking and will trot off the yard in a perfect outline striding out beautifully!

Thank for all your help..i will keep you posted on out progress..
 
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