Overuse of Draw Reins on Horses

Used in English and western riding disciplines, the purpose of draw reins, or running reins, is to teach a horse how to properly carry its head and maintain light contact with the bit, while moving forward freely and in balance with the rider. However, because they are difficult to use correctly, the degree of effectiveness they provide is fairly controversial among horsemen, in addition to the high rate of undesirable consequences that may result from their overuse.

  1. Results of Overuse

    • Overusing draw reins is fairly common and typically results in stiffening of the horse's back, disconnection with the seat and leg aids, and shortening of the stride. It also leads to the horse becoming heavy on the forehand or leaning excessively to one side if there is unequal pull on the reins, which causes over-bending and a sore neck due to excessive pressure from the bit. Forcing the horse to carry a false collection restricts its capacity to improve and develop its overall athletically abilities, since the draw reins focus solely on the frame of the head and neck. This can lead to a pacing walk -- a four-beat canter -- and destroys the fluidity of the horse's gaits. Relying too heavily on draw reins may inhibit proper collection, engagement and forward impulsion of the horse, as well as the progression of elevating the horse to a higher frame. Their overuse can result in the horse hollowing its back, in addition to diminishing the top line and longitudinal muscles.

    Risks and Considerations

    • A thorough examination by a veterinarian should be performed before using draw reins to ensure the horse isn't tossing its head or avoiding the bit due to physical issues or pain. If consideration isn't given to evaluate the horse's physical health before their use, draw reins may conceal a horse's affliction by allowing it to compensate for the inability to perform correctly, therefore leading to more severe problems or lameness issues. Improper use of the draw reins occurs when the rider pulls the horse's chin to the chest without properly encouraging the horse to move forward with the correct leg and bit aids. Draw reins should never be applied to force a horse into the proper form, as it can cause the horse to flip over.

    When to Use Them

    • Draw reins should be introduced to the horse by an experienced trainer. They should be used temporarily and exclusively for specific situations, such as for re-schooling or teaching a horse new movements so that it learns to properly maintain its head and neck position while moving forward, or for an older horse that may be stiff in the neck and have a habit of carrying its head too high. Draw reins should be used only by experienced riders who have considerable skill in operating them effectively, and as long as the horse continues to carry a rigid neck, stiff jaw and high poll. When the horse shows signs of improvement, their use should be discontinued to avoid dependency.

    Results of Correct Use

    • If used properly, draw reins can teach a horse to correctly lower its head while moving forward. The draw reins allow the horse to feel contact from the bit as it stretches its neck downward. If the horse lifts its head too high, the reins respond through bit contact and communicate to the horse that it needs to lower its head to release pressure. Draw reins can provide nearly perfect timing of the aids since they respond immediately to the horse's head position.