Do you like to use side reins (lunging)?

I seldom use them as side reins because I think a lot of them will start to hang on them. So when I am getting ready to ride one I want him to respect the bit and be light on it and respect it and not run through it when I get on so I will do the under arm lunging them. Always use a snaffle bit with a thick mouthpiece. Have a second pair of very long reins that I put down under the forearms and tied together up on top of the saddle. and the regular reins tied to the horn at a comfortable length. I always start with the lower reins very loose and just walk, stop and back them till I know they will not fight them and rear. I tighten them up a little at a time and do a lot of trotting so they will drop the head down and leave the lower reins totaly loose. After I know that they are soft in the bridle I will generally ride them and be confident that they will not run through the bit and buck me off because the bars might be a little sore and he will respect the bit.

Yup. They are a good idea. I use them all the time. Just start them really loose, and work your way tighter. But be careful how tight they are, not too tight, if he's green you must give him a chance to develop the muscles needed. Remember don't attach them to his bit until you start lunging him. And when you change directions take them off the bit to turn him around. Because they are attached to the bit small circles and tight corners jab/ pull on his mouth. But other then that, just working with them on helps alot when you go to ride him.

i think they're definitely very useful, in the correct hands! some people just whack them on, tie their horse's head down and spin them round for half an hour in your case you should start with them very loose, as he may panic if restrained and also because you want to ease him into it to prevent strain on his topline muscles within a few sessions you should be able to tighten them little by little (: as they'll make him work more, you won't have to lunge him for as long side reins are good for less experienced horses, or for short sessions, but i definitely prefer the pessoa as it works them from behind and ensures that their entire body is working (: