Side reins on school horses

[Shiny McShine]

What does everyone think about the practice of using side reins on riding school horses for beginner riders who cannot ride their horse on the contact yet?

I have never really seen it done before, but have seen it recommended in some books. Has anyone had experience with this? Do you think it beneficial? Do you think it could be dangerous?

[kelsey]

My trainer is from Germany (she has her instructor's certificate from there, forget what it is called) - apparently, it is very common for novices to ride in side reins in Europe.

I think that you need to have a certain level of knowledge to make sure that it is done properly. The general rules seem to be: side reins can't be too tight, they should be used mainly for trot work, the horses need periodic breaks to stretch, do them up after mounting and warming up, undo them at the end for cooldown and dismounting.

She had me ride my (fairly green at the time) horse in side reins for several months when I first started with her and I found it made a big difference in his way of going.

I don't think it is particularly dangerous if you make sure the horse is used to them and ride in a controlled environment.

[NZhorserider]

We use side reins when we're lunging, but not with beginners. We actually haven't thought of having them on for beginners. A contact comes with time though.