April 2005

Side Reins Bring Free, Forward Movement

If you learn to use them properly, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

Donut side reins are stiffer than elastic but more forgiving than solid reins.

Of course you know what side reins are, but maybe you’re a little fuzzy on what they’re supposed to accomplish. In fact, you might admit you don’t know how to use them and wonder if you should. Side reins are an essential part of the training routine and once you understand them, you’ll wonder how you made it without them.

Side reins are adjustable lengths of material that connect the horse’s head to either a saddle or a surcingle. They can be cotton, leather or nylon. Some are solid, others have elastic sections or rubber “donut” inserts. No matter the style, they all have the same purpose: to teach the…