Draw Reins

[Mossy]

I have always fought shy of draw reins as I have heard some absolute horror stories about them and really did not see the point. For various reasons I was persuaded, under supervision, to use them recently and was appalled. The pony is question is a confirmed leaner in a snaffle and I was told that they would make him lean against himself. Why was I appalled?
1 The ease with which I could winch his head in regardless of what my legs were or were not doing.
2 Leading on from 1 the physical effect this could have behind the saddle.
Yes they produce an effect, whether it is the effect I want is a different matter. The next time I schooled was in a pelham and two reins and I achieved all and more that I had previously and with a much more happy and relaxed horse.
Yes the exponent of draw reins would say that the draw reins were the agent of his co-operation. I rather think not. Imho they belong in the same box as bearing reins for carriage horses.  

[blue]

I agree with your concern about the use of draw reins, I was appalled recently when a rider at my local school, who had never used draw reins, was expected to take a horse on a hack - I thought they were only supposed to be used for schooling?  

[skh_26]

I also agree.  I saw a girl riding with draw reins at the riding school my instructor uses, on a horse that I know doesn't need them and riding around in the dark on uneven ground.  This young rider was mucking around with other young girls, cantering in complete darkness!  Me and my instructor were horrified to say the least.

[kyajay]

A chap who produces horses at a local yard to me rides his showjumpers in them regularly, hacking, schooling and jumping. What amazes me though is that he is actually a stuning rider - he gets a beautiful tune out of a horse without the draw reins, but the difference with the draw reins is obvious. The horses have their noses tucked into thir chests.

I've seen him school the dressage horses there though without draw reins and he produces wonderful results - I always wonder why he feels the need to ride the showjumpers in them....

 

[Heather]

Hi All,

There was a veterinary paper produced a couple of years ago on researhc into damage done by draw reins. It concluded that it can take as little as 20 minutes to do irreperable damage to the nuchal ligament, if used with force. We do not even own a pair of draw reins here at East Leigh. They have no part in the humane education of the horse, except in very expert hands and for a good reason. Trouble is that they are so cheap and accessible that novices use them without a second thought. Just  try pulling your chin on to your chest and sit with it like that for five minutes, forced in. I bet you won't last longer than a couple of minutes. Trouble is the poor horse has no choice, we have.

Heather

[kyajay]

LoL Ok I just tried sitting with my chin tucked in and barely lasted 30 seconds! If horses find them anywhere near as uncomfortable then it strengthens my resolve never to be tempted by them!

[Possum]

I NEARLY used them once - we bought a lightweight TB mare, who had never been 'trained', although she may well have raced. She was 4 yr old.

Anyway - she stuck her head in the air and waved it around a lot (snaffle)
We traid a nathe. Same.

2 fairly good BHSAIs (me and my friend) couldnt get her to soften to the bit - we didnt expect her to go 'on' the bit - just really to 'accept' the bit.

Tried schooling, tried out hacking. Thought seriosuly about a standing martingale to protect ourselves.

The horse wa for Steve, who had reasonable feel for his riding experiencve...

Anyway - one day we said - if she doesnt go a little softer today, we'll have to try draw reins.

And that day - she softened!

So - I've NEVER used draw reins in my life. And neither Hamlet nor Idris have ever had them on.

 

[Clouds Girl]

Hello all.

I have to say that in my experience there is a place for drawreins, but only in special circumstances. I also have to mention that I live in New Zealand and I do all my riding on the roadsides, with very little schooling in enclosed spaces, so the situation is different to what most of you are used to.

I had a horse that was EXTREMELY free - almost to the point of unstoppable. I always ride him in a pelham anyway. I tried riding him in the paddock but I couldn't get enough 'listen' to get any balance at all.  To swipe the words of someone famous (exactly who eludes me) I couldn't get a cap on my toothpaste tube . So in desperation I put drawreins on him to get the message across. It did wonders.

Once we got the concept sorted I could start using more correct and conventional aids to work with him. It turned him into a horse that was capable of staying in a dressage arena and therefore event which he loves to this day.

I haven't put the draw reins on any other horse since and don't expect to, but I won't be throwing them out either, just in case.

Regards
Audrey

 

[Pete]

I have to admit to an experience today that was very 'enlightening' - I was shown the proper way to use draw reins on a horse that simply would not put her head down, with a pelham or anything else.  A few minutes with the lightest contact on draw reins and she got the message - light bulbs went on, and she went into a lovely outline.  Dropping the draw reins and picking up the snaffle contact teaches her to stay in the outline, and slowly she learns to do it without the draw reins at all.  They wont be there very long.

There is a place for them, but only as the very last resort - in this case, it worked wonders, with a very kind, gentle horse who is much loved, and who still loves her dad despite the dreaded draw reins - gently does it!