"Before I explain their use, though, let me clarify what side and draw reins are not: They're not shortcuts to force a horse's head down or force his nose to the vertical, or to "muscle him up" or "make him flex" on one side or the other. Used improperly, side reins and draw reins can cause a horse to habitually shorten his stride, stiffen or overbend to evade contact, and become heavy on the forehand; They can also make him sore in the neck and back. And with side reins in particular (not draw reins, which are easy to lengthen or drop in an emergency), a horse unaccustomed to their restrictive feel may bang himself in the mouth and panic, then run backward, rear, get a leg caught in the reins, or even flip over."I agree with Zinger wholeheartedly. Draw reins are NOT a short cut for good, old-fashion training. They are NOT meant to be used by an inexperienced rider. They a NOT tie-downs. They are NOT meant for horses that are barely walking and trotting under saddle.
In my opinion, draw reins have their time and place but are overused and improperly used (especially in the Hunter/Jumper world) more often than not.
Talk to you soon,
EDV
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