We know that this is a very contentious issue in the Equestrian world with very strong opinions voiced on many fronts. For those who disagree with training aids then please read no further, we respect your point of view.
For those of us who need a little help with our horses, the Freedom Soft Rein is frankly amazing.
As we work with Scharf on their Freedom girths, they asked if we would help them and we have been working with them for over 6 months with the refining of these reins.
From a personal standpoint, I have a big 18.2 KWPN and frankly I am no match for his strength. He is more than capable, and often does, play with me when I am trying to get him in a frame. Do I eventually get there, the answer is yes but it can take up to 40 minutes depending on the day, for him to decide that he is going to play ball. By which time, I am hot and bothered, I have probably lost most of the valuable teaching time with my trainer just to get him into a correct frame. It is frustrating for all.
Its not just me either, I have had a few Professional riders on his back and they have the same issues as me. He is a power house, is opinionated and has his own mind but I love him none the less.
I am not a big fan of German reins as I know how much damage they can do even with a Professional rider. I have avoided them and anything really that holds my horse rigid does not have any appeal. I have battled on.
These are different.
My horse is not held. He is rewarded for doing what he is being asked to do. He works correctly and from behind – I know this because my physio has remarked on the great changes happening in the hind quarters.
We are using these reins to help in the training, to help him to hold himself correctly so that he can utilise his body in the way that he needs to without compensation and avoidance which ultimately creates more problems through tightness and potential injury.
We, Mr Stretch and I, are making great progress together. No more fighting or squabbles. Great work is being produced and I absolutely know that I am doing no damage whatsoever.
Mr Stretch and I also try to event and I do sometimes have issues when jumping, going back to his power and opinions. Using the jump reins has helped me with the issues of control that I was having, it allows my horse to do what he need to do through take-off, flight and landing but helps me navigate with control to a fence and get to the next one.
Sometimes we do need some help, both us and our horses.
There is a lot of information on the website, going into a lot of detail but as always, if you need direct help just give us a call.
Like everything we do at The CentreLine, we have first hand experience and so can always help.
