Monday, March 15, 2010

Side Reins

I like learning. Correction: I like learning about horses and horse items. I was on e-bay looking at a new dressage bridle because SOMEONE'S nose band is all cracked, and I only noticed when I finally decided to clean it on Sunday. I'm surprised that it didn't fall apart. If I can just find a new caveson I'll replace just that part of the bridle. Sucks that I own a BEAUTIFUL Kieffer Natasha, but that it is just too big on Denali's head. Boo. I'm sure it would be better if I'd ever get around to oiling it up. When we were in Denmark all I wanted was that bridle, and I finally bought it! I ended up returning it in Denmark, buying a new leather halter (which I sold to support the beast when we returned.) When we got back to the states I bought the Kieffer, was super excited, put it on her and didn't like what it looked like on her head.

Back to my point. Anyone use radial side reins? I'm interested in what you think of them. The idea seems to make sense. No worries, I'm not running out trying new things, but when I see something that I've never heard of before I'd love to hear what other people think of it.

6 comments:

Jay Jennings said...

I think those fall into the "gizmo" category. I'm hoping the clips are attached to something really soft and breakable. If not it's a recipe for disaster. I cringe whenever the term "Training Aid" comes up. Usually it's synonymous for lazy shortcuts.

I look at the way they join the bit. Traditional sliding rains have a longer distance to the girth. Thus not squeezing the bit so much in the mouth. Elastic side rains attached to the surcingle even attached at the highest points wouldn't squeeze the bit that much either. Squeeze may not be the best term to use here but I'm drawing a blank on the proper word...

Don't get me wrong; I have a wonderful set of sliding side rains. I have just seen way too many cases of improper overuse of rains and a few OMG moments of training gadgets gone wrong.

Sucks about your bridle; I'm really frustrated with quality these days. It seems even the expensive ones don't last more than a year. For us each bridle gets used at least twice a week; and they get cleaned every few months. They used to last 5 to 7 years. Now I'm lucky if I get a year out of them. I have been really unhappy with my last Passier and Stubben bridles.

Beth said...

Have you tried just bridles to get just the parts you need? http://www.justbridles.com/

I have not tried the radial side reins. Actually I am totally confused . . . Does that one small strap that does through the ring attach to both sides of the bit and the the other thick straps attach to either side of the saddle?

Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) said...

Beth! Thank you! That site is awesome!

It does look like the clips attatch to the bit (after lookin closer at it after posting, I agree with you Jay, I assume they attatch to the bit which could spell disaster) and then to one side or the other to work on bending.

Nicku B said...

Interesting, never seen those. Like regular side reins though I would strongly urge you not to ride in them like that lady in the picture...totally, completely not safe, asking for an accident!!!! I am not a big fan of gadgets and gizmos particularly undersaddle unless you're an excellent rider and even then my thoughts are then, shouldnt you be able to fix this problem with your seat, leg, hands, etc? With that said, I do use Vienna reins in lunging on occasion to help my horse stretch long and low since I am not on his back and able to ask him myself. But I always make sure to warm him up first w/o them and then keep them loose, meaning I never crank them down to force his head. I always keep him moving freely forward from back to front into the gizmo at all times so he stays engaged. I also have a pessoa lunge system that my younger horse LOVES and works really well in.

Frizzle said...

Never knew 'radial side reins' existed. However, I've heard awesome things about vienna reins! They help the horse really use his back. I've been meaning to get some to use on Salem, but it looks like that won't be happening. :-( He also got too fat for his surcingle! Lol.
Another great training tool to use while longeing is the chambon. Heck, even the Sustainable Dressage lady is a fan, and she is extremely anti-gadget.

Anonymous said...

Hunter Jumper trainers have been using Radial side reins for 40 years. they just made them out of rope. Once your horse gets use to them you can ride in them easy. I have used them for 20+ years. They do work better that regular side reins even if you do not ride in them. hundreds of trainers use these in the industry.