Draw reins/ Running reins - what's all the fuss about?

[ilovecandy]

The bee in their bonnet that people seem to get over draw reins is strange. I am interested to hear what people think?

I understand that if used inappropriately (which is common) they can be detrimental to what the rider is trying to achieve but they can also be very useful in the right hands.

They seem to have this stigma attached to them but I think they are just misunderstood - do people just need re-educating?

[Expert_LizPitman]

Is this a general discussion question or one for John? If the former, you'll get more answers if you pop it under general chat.

For what it's worth, I don't see that these gadgets have a place in good training. A horse should be taught to carry himself through his back by engaging his hindquarters, not through trying to determine a place for his head. Anything that restricts movement or expression by the horse is unfair to him and, in the long term, counter productive to his correct development. If that's having a bee in my bonnet, well yes, I do have one then. The same as I do about flash nosebands, gag bits and other things that are used to fix problems without understanding to the horse.

[Absolute_shambles]

Liz, do you consider drop nosebands in the same vein as flash nosebands or is it the restriction on the horses jaw you don't like?

What do you think would be a suitable alternative to a gag for soft mouthed horse for fast work?

[Expert_LizPitman]

Liz, do you consider drop nosebands in the same vein as flash nosebands or is it the restriction on the horses jaw you don't like?

What do you think would be a suitable alternative to a gag for soft mouthed horse for fast work?

Any noseband that has the effect of forcing the horse to keep his mouth closed against his will is unfair and for me should have no place in a tack room. Ok, there may be some well thought through exceptions but by and large no noseband should be have that effect. If a horse is trying to get his tongue over the bit, trying to rearrange the bit in his mouth, etc., it's because he's no comfortable with it. Strapping his mouth closed with a flash or other noseband is then like tying a left handed person's left arm to a chair to force them to use their right, or worse if the bit is actually painful to the horse. If a drop noseband has that effect, then it is too tight and yes, I would consider it in the same vein as flash nosebands. If, though, it's loosely fitted, doesn't restrict the horse's mouth and the horse doesn't dislike it, then it's ok.

Bitting is a difficult area (you don't need me to tell you that!), so I obviously can't say what bit might be suitable for a specific horse. However, as a general rule horses are soft mouthed until we make them otherwise, and the best answer to any question that would otherwise lead to the answer "a stronger bit" is usually "schooling" - teaching the horse to respond to softer aids willingly. That will probably mean going over some basics at slower speeds, even at walk if necessary, but it should result in a horse who responds to those light aids whenever you ask them and without you having to resort to harsher bits.

Does that answer the questions?

[Absolute_shambles]

Hi Liz,

Thank you yes it does. I agree with you regarding the restrictions that are put onto horses by items of tack, and agree that schooling and education should be the remedy not just another piece of leather.

Thank you

[Expert_JohnJones]

Hi Absolute_shambles, Apologies for not replying sooner. I think Liz has already answered this for you and your last comment;
"schooling and education should be the remedy not just another piece of leather"
Really answers your question.
As a horse trainer myself less is more, aiming for lightness and clear communication with the horse.
Great discussion
Best Wishes
John
[email protected]
www.horselistener.co.uk