Spin off question... Training aids...

[Queenbee]

Triggered by the thread about elastic training aids, and Flames response post that they are dangerous to use when riding as they can't be released 'on board' it got me thinking.... What training aids can you release from the saddle?? I mean I know you can technically release draw reins if you undo the buckle on the rein.... But other aids... Market harboroughs for example... Can you release these? I must confess I have only ever ridden in a bungee (elastic acted training aid) and draw reins.... I have both hacked and schooled in both, I have lunged in side reins and a Pessoa, but never had a problem or even close to one when riding. But my real musing is is it standard on other training aids that you can 'release' them if your horse gets in a pickle from on. Board the horse?

 

[dominobrown]

I agree with Flames. This is why you should never ride with side reins.
With draw reins, market harbourgh etc you are in control with the 'tightness'. If the horse panics, you put your hands forwards and release all the pressure on the mouth. Some horse panic at constant pressure on their mouth and rear, elastic bungee's have a bit of give so this is less likely to happen.

 

[Goldenstar]

You can cut the bugee at the middle so it's free on the far side of it toggle I remove the one they come with and use a martingale stop they are then easily released .
Draw riens are easily released.
I find the idea of riding in side riens very scary.

 

[Queenbee]

Yes, I agree, I would never consider riding in side reins... I don't see the point when there are so many other aids that lend themselves more favourably to riding... I have only ever seen side reins as a lunging accessory, but the bungee... Although I have ridden in it, I never really enjoyed the 'feel' of it, on the horse and felt that whilst there is the elastic give... I still felt it was harsher than draw reins in sensitive hands... But I would never have pegged it as a dangerous training aid... Because its elasticity means that there is never any slack for the horse to get caught up in

 

[Spring Feather]

Aids?? What are they then?

I don't use aids very often at all. The only time I ever use aids is with particularly feisty youngsters during the backing process but even then it's only ever a running martingale. I had one bop my nose severely many moons ago so when we do get one to back who does not have full control of its spazzy moments then I have no problems whipping on a running martingale.

All our mature and fully broken in horses are ridden without aids and bar-1 horse, all of them are ridden in lozenge snaffle bits. I've never really "got" the whole aids thing tbh.