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Side Reins?

3K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Seahorseys 
#1 ·
I heard at a local barn that using sidereins while lunging can help build topline muscles. I tried some on my horse loosely while lunging him last time and he didn't seem to mind and he was reaching for contact and he looked beautiful. The side reins weren't tight or anything, he just moved much more nicely.

I don't want to use gimmicks, I just want to build some topline muscles on him and hopefully transfer the collection to saddle as well. Is this a good way to do it?
 
#2 ·
Used correctly (and it sounds like thats what you did) they can be an excellent training tool. There have been a few debates on this forum about their usage, but like a lot of things, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As long as you know that they are not to be worn while riding (unless you are on a lunge with no reins, working on balance, seat, etc) they can be a tool to help build up a topline and make it easier for your horse to collect and use himself correctly, but of course whilst in the saddle, you have to do your part and ride correctly as well.
 
#3 ·
I've used them and seen some success I have also seen people not know how to use them and their horse reacts and flips. But horses can benefit from them if used correctly but not too long, specially when starting to build a topline.

My Chrio gave me exercises to do to build the topline and within a month it was SUCH a big difference. They were simple stretches that I had to do at first two times a day. Because I could only go to the barn once I did it before and after riding. They also help with their stomach muscle which is a large part for the horse to pick himself up and go round. If you are interested let me know!
 
#4 ·
I've used them and seen some success I have also seen people not know how to use them and their horse reacts and flips. But horses can benefit from them if used correctly but not too long, specially when starting to build a topline.

My Chrio gave me exercises to do to build the topline and within a month it was SUCH a big difference. They were simple stretches that I had to do at first two times a day. Because I could only go to the barn once I did it before and after riding. They also help with their stomach muscle which is a large part for the horse to pick himself up and go round. If you are interested let me know!
im interested to know these stretches u speak of! :)
 
#5 ·
i prefer to long rein and be the rider on the ground for the same effect..thats just me. but with anything topline takes awhile to build.

using the inideside side rein to get the horse to flex to the inside with also help with collection in the saddle.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I've had some good results using side reins, but they are best used correctly and humanely. I also noticed a better change if I mixed it up during our sessions, snapped them on, then off, then on again. They are best used in conjunction with other exercises and methods to improve the topline and hindquarter engagement, IME. I've found that tackling an issue relying solely on equipment very rarely works, I've had the chiropractor and a special farrier out recently to work with me towards better whole-body movement. I received alot of useful information when I had a similiar question about side reins, when I first started out with them. You can read about it here:

http://www.horseforum.com/horse-training/side-reins-your-general-opinions-appreciated-47932/

ForrestGump, those are the same exercises my chiro gave me! They are called cat-backs, wither lifts, and tail pulls. She also showed me cross-fiber friction exercises which you do along the length of the back to increase blood flow and oxygen. It's also helped me to lift and stretch the legs forward in the opposite direction that she is used to and hold it for a couple of seconds. I call this "horsey yoga". I've tried about every carrot stretch position I can feasibly imagine, lol. Now I need to play some meta-physical music while we stretch.
 
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