Draw reins and running reins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Draw reins and running reins are pieces of riding equipment used for training that cause the horse to bring its head down and inward. A rein is the strap that connects to the bit and is held by the rider. These types of reins add additional leverage to the rider's hands and arms, allowing the rider to force the horse's head into a desired position.
Useage of the term is different in English riding and Western riding disciplines, referring to slightly different designs that nonetheless work on essentially the same leverage principle.
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[edit] English Riding
In Hunt seat style English riding, two sets of reins are carried by the rider (one running/draw rein and one snaffle rein). The rider holds these reins like she would a double bridle, usually with the snaffle rein below the fourth finger and the running or draw rein between the third and fourth fingers, although there are variations on this. The rider should ride predominantly on the snaffle rein. Within this tradition, the following terminology is used:
- Draw reins run from the rider's hands, through the bit ring (outside to inside), over the poll, through the other bit ring, and back to the rider's hands. They do not attach to the girth.
- Running reins go from the rider's hand, through one bit ring (inside to outside), to the girth, to the other bit ring, and back to the rider's hands. They are very commonly (and mistakenly) referred to as draw reins, probably due to their resemblance to the western-style draw rein.
[edit] Western Riding
- Draw reins in the western riding disciplines are separate reins, attached to the rings of the cinch (a western-style girth) on each side of a western saddle, run through the bit rings (either inside to outside or vice-versa, there is no firm rule, though the rein moves more smoothly if the inside goes to the girth and the outside to the hand), and then to the hands of the rider. They are often used alone or used with the regular bridle reins allowed to lay slack and not held by the rider.
[edit] Uses
This type of equipment should only been used when the horse is performing a undesired behavior (poking the nose out, bucking, etc), and the trainer should stop use of the aid as soon as the desired response is given.
Running reins are used by many trainers to teach the horse to give to rein pressure, and most horses respond by bringing the head in and lowering it. They may also provide additional control of heavy-mouthed horses.
English style draw reins have a gag bit-like action. They encourage the horse to raise its head, although they may cause slight pressure on the poll, and are therefore good for certain horses that buck and plunge with the head lowered, attempt to run away by first lowering the head, and for horses that pull, lean on the bit, or have learned to lower the head and stop to unseat the rider
Western style draw reins work somewhat like running reins, in that they encourage the horse to bring its head down and in. However, they may apply more leverage and because western riders usually do not simultaneously carry the regular rein, they offer less relief to the horse. Some trainers even run draw reins between the front legs and attach them to the girth or cinch underneath the belly in order to get the horse to travel with the low and controversial "peanut roller" style headset in western pleasure classes. However, some horses can learn to evade draw reins by overflexing and putting their head practically on their chest, then charging ahead or, conversely, balking and refusing to move forward at all.
[edit] Misuses and Dangers
Draw reins and running reins are, more often than not, misused by uneducated riders or trainers that want quick results. This usually involves the rider pulling the horse's head in to achieve a "headset" rather than getting the animal correctly on the bit. There are many riders who use leverage devices, which also can include the running martingale, to force the horse into position. However, this is incorrect useage, and particularly on a young horse, should be avoided.
These pieces of equipment can have very detrimental effects if they are adjusted tightly, used strongly, or if used for long periods of time. Horses may become hard-mouthed and heavy, and they will begin to travel on the forehand if the rider can not keep sufficient impulsion. Additionally, many horses that are continuously or incorrectly ridden in draw or running reins may never learn to engage the hind quarters and lift their withers for self-carriage, and this habit may permanently damage their training. In extreme cases, horses may develop neck and back pain from being forced to hold an artificial position for long periods of time.
That being said, competent riders who correctly and tactfully use the draw and running reins can have success in correcting specific problems in horses that require retraining to get rid of bad habits. These are often the riders who use the equipment the least, because they can achieve correct results through good riding instead of gadgets.
