Using draw reins to warm up?

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moneypit1

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I just wondered what the benefits are of using draw reins to warm up for SJ? I have noticed a lot of people doing this (including professionals) and am genuinely inquisitive as to why? What is the reason for it? Does it make the horse concentrate and use himself?
 
The ones I've seen doing it usually can't ride their horses on the flat at all and the horses tend to take the piss, throw their heads up and take off so they strap them down with draw reins. I'm not saying all do this.
 
I'm not really fond of them and you really need good hands to use them correctly. Are you thinking of using them for your benefit or the horse?
smile.gif
 
I usedto warm my mare up in them and also for any lap of honours.
Basically she was a complete freak and would rear if anyone came too close and would blind panic and run. After almost breaking her ribs after a horse kicked her int he collecting ring and the next show she ran off through the ring fence i tried it and it worked. Just kept her focussed on her work rather than everyone else and also so she didnt injure herself.
I never jumped in them tho, i dont agree with that.
 
I use a bungee to warm up. My 18hh horse has a high head carriage and slight ewe neck so its easier to warm him up with this on so I can concentrate on his back end. Hes a big horse to keep together. I only use it for about 20 mins then carry on without. It really helps with top line development.
 
Draw reins force the horse to keep his head down. You can always spot the regular uses at dressage too as the horse's neck breaks in the wrong place, and the riders tend to saw at the horse's mouth.
 
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