Side/Draw reins?

[horsesforever]

Daft question! Are side reins and draw reins the same thing? If not, could someone explain the difference?

Ta :D

[chev]

No, not the same. Side reins go from the bit to the roller or saddle or whatever you're using.

Draw reins go from the girth, between the horses front legs, through the bit rings and to the rider's hands.

Side reins are often used when lunging or longreining to give the idea of a contact with no rider on board.

Draw reins are used to stop a horse throwing it's head up beyond the point of control. Draw reins should never be used on their own, or to bring the horse's head down and in.

[eml]

Side reins are used when lunging and go from the girth strap to the bit. The have an elastic insert to give a good contact

Draw reins go from the middle of the girth through the horses legs, through the bit and to the riders hands. Only to be used by experienced riders with good hands!

[horsesforever]

Ah thanks for that guys, I get it now :) Wasnt planning on using either, just seen both being referred to on the boards and was always curious as to what the difference was.

[Wally]

Nothing wrong with side reins, it introduces horses to a contact when being first trained, and can help with a horses way of going on the lunge. But if they are done up too tight they, like any training aid, can cause discomfort.

Draw reins, on the toher hand, can cause a great deal of damage in a short time if used incorrectly. 20 to 40 minutes of bad work with draw reins can cripple a horse for life.

[Apalacia]

Just wondering, how can draw reins cripple a horse so quickly?!

[chev]

Because when they're used to bring a horse's head in, the massive leverage they produce can do irreperable damage to the nuchal ligament in the neck.

[horsesforever]

Scary that!

[Wally]

It can also have a chain reaction to the Sacroilliac joint in the pelvis and put enormous pressure on that until you have a crippled horse front and rear.

[Apalacia]

Yikes! Won't be using them on ponio then!