side rein help

[maplesyrup305]

I would like to try lungening my horse in side reins, but I am not sure how they would be fitted!!! Koko would be lunged in a snaffle bridle and saddle.
Thank you

[Jessey]

It really depends on the level your horse is working at and if he has ever worked in side reins before.

Initally I would put them on (from bit to high up on the girth) as loosely as possible and then over a few days begin to shorten them up slowly until you get to the point where they are just 'taking a light contact' on the bit when your horse is stood relaxed (the elastic part should not be at all stretched at this time), what ever you do if your horse becomes stressed by them getting tighter go back a stage until he is happy. Once you get to the light contact stage your horse should start using that contact, once he is happy working on the light contact you may find that you need to start making small adjustments occasionally, adjusting them shorter as his carrige becomes more upright/advanced.

If your not sure do ask someone for help as used wrongly (as with everything nowdays) they can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Best of Luck

J x