What’s the difference between putting things such as draw reins, a neck stretcher etc. and attaching it on the side/outside of the leg and to the girth vs. in between their legs. I have only done it by attaching the ends of these things between their legs and onto the girth in a straight path, how is attaching the ends to the sides different and which method works best?
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For one, with a known bucker, it is not an invitation to get their head down to that “optimum thrust zone.” Also, it depends on where you are looking to have their head. If the goal is to get them to stretch down, then down between the legs is the best option. For a bit higher headset, the girth elastic is best. I know a dressage trainer who works with true draw reins and ones attached to the D-rings on the saddle when working her hopefully soon to be PSG horse laterally.
So what do the ones that attach to the D rings do different? I’m assuming it still goes through the bit and then back to make an even smaller angle difference from hand to bit to D-ring. So the closer together they get then the more up the horse is? I’m still slightly confused as to how that works…I figured since the ends of the draw reins are closer to where your hands are then wouldn’t the head be tucked in even tighter? Sorry for the questions! Just having trouble visualizing it I guess!
It helps with a higher level headset, something you would see in 4th level, or so, dressage and up. The way I think about it, mind you I’m an eventer and think flat in dressage terms, is that between the legs is a basic relaxation, something seen and accepted til 1st level, maybe even through 1st 1. At the sides is a 2nd level and up headset, at the Ds is 4th and up.
Draw reins not only control the head, a common misconception, they also control the neck. When using them for dressage they are used more for helping a horse learn to either 1. find the correct neck and head position or 2. allow them some support while learning lateral movements. In the h/j world, draw reins are mainly used for controlling the head.
I’m sure if Val or another dressage guru comes on they will correct the levels, but that’s somewhat correct
Basically, there is no right way to attach draw reins. It all depends on your purpose for using them and what you want to accomplish that ride, oh and the horse as well.
More leverage to attach to the sides
Gotcha! Thanks so much for explaining this to me!!