The Crucial Role of Running Reins in Horse Riding

Achieving harmony and clear communication between you and your horse is the pinnacle of success and running reins might be able to help.

As valuable as they are in promoting balance, control, and proper posture, they are also one of the most misused tools in horse training.

What are Running Reins?

When we talk about running reins in the horse-riding world, we aren't just speaking about another piece of equipment. They're a specialized training tool meant to control a horse's head carriage, encouraging a desirable posture. Imagine a triangular shape with the horse's bit at the apex and the saddle or girth as the base.

That's the formation these reins form, offering a rider the ability to adjust and ensure the horse maintains a vertical head position. The main objective? To get that powerful hindquarter engagement, which is the bedrock of balance and collection in horse riding.

The Roots and Rationale Behind Running Reins

In the equestrian landscape, running reins aren't a mere accessory; they're an essential. Drawing from their design, they encourage the horse to have a rounded frame, its head flexing at the poll, achieving a balance and straightness that's hard to rival. They're not just about posture; they're about performance.

But, like any tool, they have their place. They're not a magic fix but an aid. Over-reliance can make a horse too dependent, robbing it of its natural grace and balance. That's why it's crucial to seek the wisdom of experienced trainers when integrating running reins into your regimen.

The Many Faces of Running Reins

When we dive deeper into the realm of running reins, we encounter a range of types, each tailored for specific equestrian disciplines and needs:

• Sliding Reins: Adjustable in length, they're perfect for modulating a horse's head carriage.

• Chambon: This type prompts horses to flex their necks, bringing about suppleness.

• Side Reins: Typically used for lunging, they aid in developing a horse's balance and self-carriage.

Other variants like the Running Martingale and the German Martingale provide distinct controls over a horse's head position, ensuring they maintain a consistent carriage.

But perhaps the most versatile of them all are the Draw Reins, a close cousin to running reins. They share a similar design and objective but are especially handy for horses that might evade the bit or have a tendency to raise their heads too high.

Techniques for Effective Running Rein Use

Properly employing running reins can greatly benefit horse riders by elevating control and balance. To achieve the best fit, affix them to the bit rings and guide them to your hands, ensuring they don’t slacken or pull taut. A horse’s natural head position is paramount, with the reins merely providing a gentle touch to bridge the communication gap.

Periodic adjustments during rides ensure prime comfort. It’s vital to remember the horse's well-being when employing running reins. The objective is to cultivate a relaxed demeanor, steering clear of any forced postures.

These reins are best viewed as an aide and should be used judiciously, always under a seasoned trainer's watchful eye. Overall, meticulous adjustment fosters a harmonious horse-rider relationship, strengthening balance and control.

Deciphering the Right Running Rein Length

The length of your running reins can make or break your horse training endeavors. Considerations include the horse's build, rider preferences, and the task at hand. Horses with shorter necks may benefit from briefer reins for a closer bit contact. However, a longer-necked horse may necessitate extended reins for natural carriage. Striking a balance in tightness is key for ideal horse responsiveness. Some riders may prefer the precision of shorter reins, while others might lean towards longer ones for more horse freedom. Ultimately, the reins should facilitate a seamless rider-horse connection.

Customizing Reins

Modifying running reins for individual horses is pivotal for streamlined communication. Such reins are instrumental in training, guiding a horse to hold their head just right and bolstering their dorsal muscles. Begin adjustments by confirming the attachment to the bit rings. For a higher head carriage, extend the reins for the desired effect, and vice versa. Regular tweaks tailored to each horse amplify overall efficacy.

Running Reins: Pros and Cons

Running reins offer numerous perks for riders. They maintain a steady bridge between rider and horse, especially beneficial for novices or horses with tendencies to pull. They also propel the horse to engage better, enriching their overall equilibrium. But they’re not without their flaws. They can potentially inhibit a horse's organic head movement, curtailing optimal muscle development and flexibility. Misuse, like over-tightening or as a training crutch, can leave the horse overly dependent, devoid of self-reliance.

Boosting Control with Running Reins

Running reins are an ace in the hole for refining steering and control. By forming a direct conduit from the bit to the rider, they foster clearer horse-rider dialogues. Consistent contact nudges the horse into a consistent frame, responding adeptly to the rider. Thus, maneuvering challenges, intricate moves, and enhancing horse-rider synergy become seamless.

Fostering the Right Head Hold

The key to maximizing running reins lies in the correct head carriage. Through a gentle bit connection, running reins persuade the horse into a vertical head stance and a rounded form. This boosts their core engagement, resulting in enhanced equilibrium and performance. Applied adeptly, they enhance a horse's autonomy, sealing the horse-rider bond.

The Downside of Overuse

Though popular, over-dependence on running reins can stymie a horse's organic movements. They can curtail the horse's natural stretch and engagement. Artificial postures through these reins can stunt correct muscle development and hinder free, comfortable movement. It’s paramount to emphasize the horse's health, exploring alternative methods that champion natural motion and strength without undue constraints.

Training Nuances with Running Reins

Running reins are an asset in horse training, emphasizing balance and engagement. They coax the horse into a well-rounded form. Techniques like "long and low" and "shoulder-in" foster relaxation and control. Incorporating these exercises refines overall horse output.

Running Reins in Flatwork Drills

Incorporating running reins in flatwork drills is a boon. They propel the horse towards a collected demeanor. Initial sessions should be gentle, ramping up as the horse grows accustomed. The goal is a flexible, balanced horse, under an expert's tutelage.

Jumping with Running Reins

For jumping exercises, running reins are indispensable. They amplify balance and control. By keeping a consistent link between rider and horse, they guide the horse effortlessly over barriers. It’s paramount to use them judiciously, always with expert supervision to prioritize the horse's comfort and well-being.

Pitfalls in Running Rein Use

While useful, running reins can be misapplied. Overly taut or slack reins can hamper a horse's movement. Reliance on the reins instead of foundational training can mar communication. Proper training techniques alongside running reins are the best approach.

The Dangers of Running Rein Dependency

Excessive reliance on running reins can adversely impact horse training and wellness. Horses might become dependent, stunting their natural carriage. Such dependence can mask root problems, detracting from foundational training. Thus, a balanced approach, emphasizing core training and communication, is paramount.

The Consequences of Misfitting

Poorly adjusted running reins can be harmful. Too tight or too slack, both can hinder the horse's performance. Proper adjustment, prioritizing the horse's comfort and performance, is the key to an optimal horse-rider bond.

Conclusion: Respect Tradition, Embrace Technique

To the untrained eye, they might seem like mere leather straps, but to the cowboy or cowgirl who understands their land and their horse, running reins are an embodiment of Americana – a mix of rugged dependability and refined technique. But as with all things equestrian, they should be used with respect and understanding. Remember, it's not just about the tool but the hand that wields it. Running reins, when used right, are a bridge to a harmonious blend of rider and horse – a dance of power, grace, and mutual respect.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.