How to Use Side Reins

Side reins are a type of training aid used when working horses from the ground. They attach from the horse's bit to a roller around its body, and are designed to simulate the feel of a rider's hands. They're useful for training young or inexperienced horses, or helping unbalanced horses to carry themselves correctly. They shouldn't be used so tightly that they force the horse's head in; rather, they should simulate a light and natural contact. Side reins can be plain or have a flexible insert such as a rubber ring or elastic strap.

Things You'll Need

  • Side reins
  • Bridle
  • Longe rein
  • Longe surcingle
  • Exercise boots
  • Safe, enclosed work area
  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Longe whip
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your horse by bridling it and fastening the surcingle around its belly. Either remove the reins from the bridle or twist them over each other and buckle them through the throat lash to secure them. Put exercise boots on the horse's legs in case it knocks itself while working. Attach the longe rein by threading it through the nearside bit ring, passing it over the horse's head behind the ears and clipping it to the offside bit ring. Attach the side reins to the dee rings on the surcingle and clip them up out of the way.

    • 2

      Stand in the arena with the longe rein in your left hand and the whip in your right hand. Ask the horse to move away from you in a circle by pointing the whip at its hindquarters. Allow it to walk around the arena several times to warm up; then ask it to trot with a voice command. After several circuits of the trot, bring the horse back to a halt and change the longe rein over by unclipping it and reversing the attachment. Work the horse at a walk and a trot in the other direction.

    • 3

      Bring the horse back to a halt and make sure it's standing squarely with its head in a natural, relaxed position. Unclip the nearside side rein, and stretch it out toward the bit. Adjust it so that it falls about six inches short of the bit. Adjust the other rein in the same way; then clip them both to the bit. If your horse is young or inexperienced, start with the side reins a little longer.

    • 4

      Ask your horse to move away at a walk; then move up immediately into a trot. Side reins are most beneficial when the horse is trotting because its head stays still and it can find a balance with the reins. Work several circles at a trot on both reins; then remove the side reins to allow stretching of the back muscles. Reattach the reins and work for another few minutes at the trot. Continue to use the reins in this way throughout the session, allowing adequate stretching time after each use.