I am not the driver my hubby is, I have heard a bitting rig helps develop a good head set.Would getting elastic side reins or a running martingale be helpful for getting my driving horse more collected? Can the elastic side reins be used when driving or just lunging?
What you describe is what I've always called draw reins - at least as a rider. I used them both tied to a saddle to longe, and as actual reins while aboard (just don't depend on getting a stop with them as you are more likely to pull the horse's head to his chest). They can be quite effective if not overdone, and like anything else can become a crutch for your horse to lean on.Sliding side reins are actually one long line. Since we use a harness saddle in place of a surcingle, we start with the line attached to one tug loop. It then runs forward through one cheek of the bit (broken mouth half-cheek snaffle in our case) , down between forelegs and through a ring or keeper on the lowest point of the girth, back up through the other side of the bit, and then back to the other tug (or side ring on a surcingle). It is only fixed at the starting and end point, and slides freely through girth and bit rings. The horse's head is not fixed in one position...instead he is given a range of movement that, as Heike Bean puts it, "invites" him to find his balance.
All a running martingale does is pull the reins down so the horse is encouraged to follow the pressure and tuck their nose in. Martingales are only intended to keep the horse from throwing their heads up; properly used they should not change the line of the reins at all and as such do no good for setting the head. I personally don't really have a problem with having them marginally tighter, it does encourage the horse to hold a frame and I really don't see it being cruel at all unless the horse is totally winched in top and bottom until they can't move. But the downside is it affects nothing but the head even then, teaching them nothing about using their body.MPR said:Are sliding side reins better than a running martingale? Could you post a photo of the clothes line sliding reins in position? How much slack do you give the horse?
Same configuration except you aren't creating leverage as you do when riding. The fixed ends prevent that "curling in" effect that is such an inherent risk with draw reins.wildoak said:What you describe is what I've always called draw reins - at least as a rider. Jan
rabbitsfizz, We would be very interested in a drawing or pics...I go one further and use an adapted Pessoa- this engages the rear end as no other can and makes it impossible for the horse not to use it's rear correctly.
I have re-educated an 11year old Welsh Cob with a back problem (OH I sorted that too, never fear!!) with this gear- I should patent it, really!!
It works a charm and I shall endeavour to get pictures if you wish, but I may well have to draw it and scan it in as the Cob is now a way a way from me and no longer in training.
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