Ok, as a rule I don’t like training aids…I think they’re a quick fix for people who can’t train properly. However, I’m helping train a horse to work on the bit and in an outline but he’s too small for me to ride. Can you recommend any lunging aids?
Thanks, just to mention this horse is not a youngster
I do not like "training aids" either.
I would prefer to use just side reins and make sure that he is going forward and tracking up from behind. He will then naturally drop into an outline. I believe that the face should be no more than vertical to the ground and the horse should be holding the bit, ready to increase speed or come back when asked without resistance. Try correctly placed trotting poles which should help him to track up – ie his hind feet should be stepping almost into the foot prints left by the fore feet.
Whatever you do don’t fall for these draw reins. They need a rider with strong leg and seat aids and force a horse into an ugly, over bent way of going.
Correct schooling under saddle, ie poles, many turns and circles, leg yielding will help some, I know you cannot ride him, but when the owner can that might be something to point out.
And if the horse is older, it is likely that it will take some time, but I still say correct riding is the only way!
I have noticed that some horses simply are not physically built to go in an outline – and who first said that they should go with arched necks? And all these training aids are a waste of money and tantamount to cruelty.
Once he’s longeing calmly at w, t, c, and is getting somewhat fit, you can start with side reins, adjusted very loosely (as in, no contact). Gradually tighten them no more than 2 holes per week, and make sure the horse is moving well forward, tracking up into the bridle. You can also long line him, treating the long lines exactly as you would reins.
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my girlfriend says draw reins.
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Like Azari said but I like the ones that have the rubber donut things on them.
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Most people use side-reins (http://www.statelinetack.com/Search.aspx?query=side+reins) when lunging to develop a headset and topline. I like side-reins, but they don’t connect to the hind legs at all so you have to be very good about keeping the forward motion and making him step under himself.
My very favorite is the Pessoa Training Aid (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-3026&bhcd2=1250973714). It is extremely adjustable, from a low headset to a very collected one. The stretchy rubber encourages the horse to give to the pressure as opposed to holding the horse’s head down. Finally, the butt strap is unbelievably helpful in making a horse use his hind legs. The downside, of course, is the price. However, I have known people to successfully making their own with rubber tubing and a regular lunging surcingle.
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Side reins would be good for that or some horses do better in running reins which are similar.
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i like training horses to voice. walk trot canter (up) woow. left right. trot trot for extended. i used it for driving but great on all horses
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I do not like "training aids" either.
I would prefer to use just side reins and make sure that he is going forward and tracking up from behind. He will then naturally drop into an outline. I believe that the face should be no more than vertical to the ground and the horse should be holding the bit, ready to increase speed or come back when asked without resistance. Try correctly placed trotting poles which should help him to track up – ie his hind feet should be stepping almost into the foot prints left by the fore feet.
Whatever you do don’t fall for these draw reins. They need a rider with strong leg and seat aids and force a horse into an ugly, over bent way of going.
Correct schooling under saddle, ie poles, many turns and circles, leg yielding will help some, I know you cannot ride him, but when the owner can that might be something to point out.
And if the horse is older, it is likely that it will take some time, but I still say correct riding is the only way!
I have noticed that some horses simply are not physically built to go in an outline – and who first said that they should go with arched necks? And all these training aids are a waste of money and tantamount to cruelty.
References :
Riding instructor