Side reins
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Side reins are pieces of equipment used when longeing a horse, running from the bridle's bit to the saddle or surcingle. They must be used properly or they may damage the horse's movement or cause an accident.
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[edit] The Side Rein
Side reins are made of leather or webbing, and have several rings or holes for buckles along their length. Because the side reins fold back on themselves and reattach to their own rings or buckles, the handler can easily adjust their length.
Side reins may be solid, or they may have an elastic or rubber ring insert. The latter two have more "give" to them, which is useful for sensitive horses or horses that throw their heads. Elastic inserts must be used with caution, as some horses start to lean on them. Solid side reins are sometimes preferred because they tend to give the horse a more solid contact to work in to.
[edit] Uses of the Side Rein
Side reins are usually used for more advanced horses. They give the horse something to take contact with, encourage balance and correct head carriage, help a horse develop self-carriage, and help stop a horse from over bending in the neck.
[edit] Adjustment of the Side Rein
Side reins may be attached from the bit rings to the surcingle rings, or from the bit to the billets of the girth. Improper adjustment of side reins can cause a horse to go behind the bit, spoil the horse's training, and even cause the horse to feel trapped, leading to rearing and the possibility that the horse will flip over.
Side reins are adjusted longer for less-experienced horses, and gradually shortened and raised higher (from point of shoulder up to the point of hip) as a horse becomes better trained. The side reins should never be so short that the horse's head is pulled behind the vertical. For green horses, the side reins should be adjusted so that the horse's head is approximately 4 inches in front of the vertical and the side reins are attached at a point level with the point of the shoulder.
As the horse becomes more advanced and more physically developed, the side reins may be shortened so the head is nearly vertical to the ground. Side reins should not pull the horse in--the do NOT create collection. Rather, a properly longed horse will collect himself, and the shorter side reins will be the correct length for him to keep a contact with the bit. Shorter side reins should not be used for long periods of time.
Side reins should be adjusted so they are the same length on either side. Always fasten the outside rein before the inside rein, similarly to the idea that a rider would take up outside contact before inside rein contact. It is best to make sure that both side reins are adjusted before attaching them to the bit, as it can be irritating to the horse to stand with one side rein attached while the handler is adjusting the other.
[edit] When to Attach Side Reins
Side reins are only for work in the trot and canter. Working a horse in side reins at the walk can spoil the gait. A horse should always be warmed up and cooled down without the side reins, allowing him to stretch long and low. When the side reins are first applied, they should be adjusted long and gradually shortened as the horse warms up into them.
Side reins should not be used for jumping, as they restrict the use of the neck too much, and may even cause the horse to fall.
