| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Silver |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 11:35:37 AM
Hi has anyone used the little attachments you put on your normal reins that then makes them become flexible.They are made of leather and elastic.Just wondered if they are any good.Thanks. |
| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| borleybird |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 8:22:33 PM
Martha, I only mentioned not being dressage legal as someone mentioned lateral work so my head went straight to competitions (not that its the only reason for lateral work of course). I always like to make as few changes to tack etc as possible when competing as it keeps me in my comfort zone...not that I have competed for a while. |
| martha615 |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 1:02:08 PM
On the subject of reins, I really like my rope reins which I bought from Amanda Martin (clicker trainer). They are attached to the bit by leather, which is a little softer than a buckle or metal clip, of course. And you can "comb" your hands along them in a lovely way. Leather reins feel very static to me now that I've gotten used to the rope reins. Only trouble is the rope is pretty chunky in your hands.
As for dressage legal, almost nothing I regularly ride in IS dressage legal! Caged stirrups, halter and reins, or bridle with rope reins....oh dear. And who cares what is dressage legal? Carl often rides without a helmet (not that I am saying THAT is a good idea!) and his "illegal" reins so...what is the problem? I don't compete, of course, but surely what you compete in is one thing, what you train in is another?
I think the elastic reins sound cool :) |
| AnnaMaisy25 |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 12:46:36 PM
Very true, I'll ask my instructor is she has a spare pair she's willing to sell... I'll let you know xxx |
| Silver |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 11:50:27 AM
No AnnaMaisy25 don't no of anyone but I think one of our horses is the perfect candidate for them,very forward with big movement.If we don't like them theres always E-bay. |
| AnnaMaisy25 |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 11:32:30 AM
Silver - is there not some you could borrow from someone before you buy some? Might be worth it, to see if the horse gets on okay with them first... Some do, some don't so might be a good idea? xxx |
| Silver |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 11:11:31 AM
I should say if I do buy pair of these reins they will be the only "gadget" I own. |
| Silver |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 11:07:02 AM
I think the value of these reins is perhaps the confidence it might give the horse which will then be a lasting benefit as you say they are not dressage legal but after a little use that might be job done.As I say Carl Hester uses them at home all the time he had Valegro in them on his DVD and a few other horses in of different age groups. |
| borleybird |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 10:58:39 AM
Been doing a bit of research now as intrigued especially after seeing the price! Totally understand the use short term with youngsters establishing a contact with a sensitive mouth or to reduce the chance of jabbing whilst jumping. Also see their use to help the rider who struggles to maintain a consistent and positive contact without getting heavy as it means the instructor can work on the rider's hands without deaden the horses mouth.
Personally, as they are not dressage legal, I cant see the long term benefit and think the money would be better invested in a few lessons (I speak from experience having wasted a fortune on gadgets). |
| Silver |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 10:49:41 AM
Marth615 Carl Hester designed them if you go on his website you can see a picture of them,Fantastic Elastic Reins. |
| Silver |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 10:34:37 AM
I don't think Carl Hester could be said not to have flexible hands,but perhaps the reins are more suited to really big moving horses but then again they might benefit any horse as we can all improve our riding I'm sure.As with anything until you have tried them then you can't really comment.Perhaps the Elastic reins would be better than the little converting attachments,might just buy a pair and see what happens.Thanks for your views. |
| martha615 |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 10:21:33 AM
I've never used them but they sound a great idea! I certainly don't have perfect hands and this would help my horses, I think.
As has been said, very little that is wrong with a horse's head/neck carriage can be solved through the reins (unless it is to STOP doing something you are doing with the reins) and communication in the mouth is a precise art. Most riders shouldn't even be allowed to use a bit (I had my daughter using a Dr. Cook's with her ponies when she was young) and I like the idea that the elastic helps the "feel" be soft and pliable.
I'd love to hear more from those who have used these reins! |
| AnnaMaisy25 |
Posted - 27 Sep 2013 : 08:27:26 AM
It's not about the horse leaning, it's about the options it can give your horse. If you plan on doing a lot of lateral work [which we do with Splash] then they can be a great asset to any horse and rider combination.
Of course your wrists and elbows should be flexible, but one would hope that if you are planning to do some of the more complicated lateral work possible, then you can distinguish between using the reins for self gain, and using the reins to improve hand and wrist flexion.
I am more than happy to do my lateral sessions with or without, and with Splash, she's either going to work with you and produce some excellent work, or she's not, and would prefer to trudge along like a cart horse. This is nothing to do with where or how the riders' hands are sitting and working, it is just Splash! The reins don't 'fix' the horse!
xxx |
| Vik1 |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 10:21:58 PM
Ive never used them or know anyone who has but my opinion is..your elbows and wrists should be flexible enough to not need them. If your horse leans or sets against you then there is normally a reason for it. Alot of the time the rider has arms too straight instead of elbows at their sides or have fixed their wrists. Just my opinion. |
| Silver |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 9:52:32 PM
I'm only asking as I have just watched a DVD of Carl Hester and he uses them on all his horses at home. |
| Ari |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 8:09:17 PM
Can't help as never used them, but eager to learn what they help with. I am skeptical about schooling aids but that's down to my limitations as a happy hacker with a horse who's light in my hand and happy in his mouth. I am no great rider but like Quarabian my hands are flexible enough.
I can however see their value with early jumping to avoid jabbing horse in the mouth.
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| SuziQ |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 7:29:55 PM
I've probably got some old ones in the cupboard at yard. I used to use them with Perdy when we started jumping, she wasnt very smooth to start with and if I inadvertently gave her a jab in the mouth as she over jumped, under jumped or stag jumped (never knew what was coming)she then would refuse the next time we faced the jump. It helped me be confident I wasn't going to whack her in the mouth which in turn left my brain free to focus on getting her cleanly over the jumps so I needed it less!! |
| Quarabian |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 6:37:58 PM
I have flexible hands!!  |
| borleybird |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 6:23:25 PM
Ive not used them but did discuss them with my instructor who dislikes them. She explained that they dont allow you to feel the horses mouth as you do not have a true direct contact. I will say that she is a dressage instructor and other disciplines may view them differently.
Just out interest, what are you hoping they will do/ improve? |
| AnnaMaisy25 |
Posted - 26 Sep 2013 : 11:40:25 AM
My instructor has a pair, and during a lesson with Splash she'll always have them for us to use... Splash likes them, and have to say, it's a relief on your arms in some ways as the horse quickly picks up how to get the best relaxation from the reins with them!
I'll be buying some for Freya when she's home, I've used them with her back in the Spring, and it was very successful! xx |
