Are side reins good for lunging?
WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR? “They can help develop topline during lunge exercise and, depending on the positioning of the reins on the girth and their length, the desired frame,” explains instructor and dressage rider Tara Osborn.
Why do you lunge a horse in side reins?
Side reins are an effective way to keep your horse’s body straight (especially his outside shoulder) while he’s working on the circle as you longe him. Or, if he’s already straight, side reins adjusted a hole or two shorter on the inside encourage an inside bend on the circle.
What is the purpose of side reins?
Side reins are equipment used when longeing a horse, running from the bit of the bridle to the saddle or surcingle. As a horse training tool, they encourage flexion and softness in the horse’s mouth. For longe line work with a rider up who does not carry ordinary riding reins, they help calm and settle the animal.
Can you ride a horse with side reins?
Whatever his body angle, a chicken controls balance by keeping his head and neck perfectly vertical. Hence, stabilizing the horse head and neck with side reins is a chicken theory. The horse, instead, controls balance by moving his head and neck.
How long should side reins be?
Side reins should never be so short that the horse’s head is pulled behind the vertical. For green horses, the side reins should be adjusted so that the horse’s head is approximately 4 inches in front of the vertical and the side reins are attached at a point level with the point of the shoulder.
Can you canter in side reins?
This is one of the few times where solid leather, nylon or web side reins with no “give” are the tools of choice. Do tons of transitions, not only between gaits, but also within gaits: trot, extended trot, walk, trot, canter, walk.
How to lunge a horse with loose reins?
Attach so loose that there is no restriction on the head and neck and that the horse just gets used to the weight of the reins and can lunge happily with that. 5. Once loose side-reins are accepted, you can snug them up one hole at a time, do more circles, snug up again etc. until you get the long and round outline you are looking for.
How long does it take to lunge a horse?
Our lunging sessions take 11 minutes: 5 minutes per side with 1 minute to change the lunge line to the other side. I have him walk for 1 minute, trot for 1 minute, do walk-trot-walk transitions for a third minute, and then I ask for a canter. He now picks up the correct lead every time.
How to teach a horse to use side-reins?
Before you attach side-reins stand next to your horse and ask for a yield to the bit pressure with you holding the rein. Always release as soon as the horse gives a ‘try’ for what you are asking. Repeat many times on both sides. 4. Use side-reins with elastic or a rubber ring on horses that have never worn them before.
How do you attach a double sliding lunge line?
Double sliding side reins may be attached to the saddle or surcingle and girth as pictured below, or both ends of each rein may be attached to the saddle, surcingle and/or girth. Only one lunge line is permitted only while lungeing.