Who here uses side reins on the lunge?

I've used side reins (With elastic) for over 30 years and have never had an issue with them until I tried to ride the horse with them in place (30 yrs ago this year). After that, I learned to use them from an on the ground format. Since then I have an old suede bare back pad that I've used as a surcingle and the side reins on EVERY baby I've ever started and remembering NOT to keep them too tight, you can set a horse's head without making him look like he's too flexed at the poll. I like the elastic on them because they can give like our own arms/hands do when we're sitting on board. The side reins use their own bodies to get them to "give" to the bit. There's a lot of pros and cons about them, but then there's a lot of folk who don't know how to use them as well...

Mulegirl and Rosi have given excellent points and I agree. Side reins are not for every horse, but they are a great tool on the right horses. Side reins are the only "gadget" my trainer will use or even owns. I'll never use draw reins again. Everything that draw reins do, you can do with your hands, which are way more forgiving and sensitive then leather straps. It's truely the lazy route and my trainer can't stand them either. Side reins are invaluable on the lunge line. For your pleasantly plump fellow, they could help him immensly to learn to balance himself without having to worry about balancing a rider as well and I'm willing to bet the farm that is why everyone is telling you to try them. He'll be able to learn quickly and easily without having to worry about a riders extra weight, which will also build his confidence. If he's never used side reins before then you'll have to train him to them, keeping them very loose at the beginning until he learns the boundries of the lines. My trainer would never make them tight to confine or restrict the horse's natural movement. Any kind of engagement from the horse has to come willingly. While they can teach a horse bad habits, if they're used 2 or 3 times a week, as opposed to heavy riding, they can teach him how to use his back and step under himself in a balanced, straight carriage, instead of just lunging around with his head up in the clouds, his back hollowed out, while he drops his inside shoulder to lazily cut a turn, as his hind end swings out on the turn. That's easier then engaging through a turn, but it also damages him in the long run. Make sure you build up his time in side reins as well. You're building muscle and it'll make him sore. Just like any weight training. Using them too often or too long is when you usually start developing bad habits. If the horse is sore or fatigued in his back or hind end, and he can't properly engage himself, he'll hollow out and try to use different muscles to minimize the pain or fatigue. Before you try side reins on your own, I highly recommend having a trainer or someone experienced with using them show you how first. Better to be safe then sorry! :D

Personally, I do not believe in side reins either - I think they tend to force a horse into position and don't really allow the horse to come there on their own. This could result in a horse never really being round and using his back, or back problems from resisting. So the horse's head is down, but the horse is not really rounding and using his back. When my horse goes to dressage shows, she sometimes does this because she is nervous, but knows where her head is 'supposed to be' - the result? points off for not really being round. Mind you, this is my fault also, because I get a bit nervous and tend to sit on her more than ride her - if you know what I mean. So, I would say ignore those people - forcing him to set his head before he is ready and really in shape for it is not the way to go to really get a nice dressage horse.

First of all, I don't agree with a lot of longing, it's too stressful on limb joints; I prefer round penning or free longing in an indoor arena to let a horse play and burn off steam after hours in a stall. Secondly, I don't agree with fixed side reins, they tend to make a horse heavy on the forehand and straggling their hocks out behind.......moving on separate ends rather than in a cadenced, collected, balanced frame. I DO strongly agree with using your hands, and would start this horse in a conditioning program of 10-15 minutes of round-penning or free longing......followed by line driving him, 2 longe lines threaded through fixed stirrups work fine....for another 10-15 minutes. As he progresses in lightness and steering and confidence, he will be more comfortable with you astride. I would ride him about another 30 minutes after his driving lesson.....riding in a confined area, and lots of trotting circles and serpentines in both directions. It should go without saying, that grooming before hand and spraying off the sweat and dirt after a workout not only make the horse more comfortable, it furthers the bond you are seeking to develop. And, perhaps most importantly, you examine him before work and after working him.....you are taking the time to check for any muscle soreness or other stress indicators. Finally, any horse deserves the same attention to cleanliness and an athlete's cool-down as a human. In just 30 days, assuming you ride consistantly at least 5 days a week, you should find yourself aboard a much fitter and balanced horse; one who has had a weak foundation re-inforced and is ready for more learning about carrying his head. He needs balance and cadence which only comes with consistant work, and once he learns to drive from behind, you will be ready to begin focusing on a steady head carriage. Best of luck, I'm in the process of legging up 2 young geldiongs after the winter off, and they're finished show horses. Bringing them back slowly saves them not only from over-work injuries; but most importantly, it keeps them sane and willing performers. Susan

I definitely agree with you...I've never used side reins while lungeing. When first introducing a bit/bridle to a young horse, I will usually tie just one rein to the stirrup/cinch ring to help the horse learn to turn his head to the rein pressure. The other rein left completely loose, of course. I think in this case, it does help a horse feel the instant relief when he does the right thing. Side reins might, depending on their tightness, but I don't want to force a head-set on a horse. I prefer a natural low headset, or doing it myself when riding, to get the response I want from the horse. Good question!

One problem with side reins, is it can teach a horse to put itself into a false frame without using itself. I don't use side reins but I do use draw reins when I ride instead to keep my guy from being a giraffe and to help him understand to use himself. So far, it has worked wonders - he is beginning to build up muscle (you can see it nicely in his neck) and beginning to carry himself (at the walk and trot...canter is a completely different story!!). Draw reins, like side reins CAN push a horse into a false frame just the same but I like the fact that with draw reins, you can give and take as needed unlike side reins. To probably fix one problem of side reins (the false frame), you can ride in them therefore able to put your horse up into the contact, but like you, I don't like the fact that there's almost constant pressure therefore the horse not accepting YOUR contact but the side reins' contact instead (if that makes sense).

Frankly I agree that your hands should teach head placement. Plus if your animal is overweight, while you are working him into shape he should have full motion of his body. This is the most efficient way for him to exercise and work his muscles.

I hate side reins, they pin the horses head down and encourage them to set on the bit - use a pessoa as this goes from behind their bum to the bit so the more they drop their head carriage, the less pressure they have behind! Only use for s hort while at a time though! :)

I used side reins twice with a 3 year old after i'd backed him just to try and encourage him to keep his head down however i was using that on the side to using my hands whilst on him and i must admit i thought "what's the point in this". So I just got on him and worked the reins in my hands and after some head tossing and "what do you want me to doooo?!?" from him he's now going nicely on the bit with gentle input from my hands but often he does it himself. With his fitness i just walked alot and did little bits of trotting and I gradually increased it then introduced canter work etc. Treated him very gently and like the baby he is. Sounds like you really just need to go back to basics almost with your guy. The balance thing is quite a babyish problem so maybe just getting on him and working on his fitness, lots of walking, lots of hills good bit of trotting and just increasing it. Doing circle work always helps as well. Im not a fan of lungeing, i just think its boring and i get dizzy plus it doesn't encourage them to work from their hind quarters. If anything i'd long rein but i do think you're better off just getting on him and going with the flow. Hopefully that's of some help but do remember he's your guy and it's up to you what to do with him, don't be pressured by the ones at your yard.