My daughter rides her horse with rein aids that are built into the reins are they legal? There is no break in the reins, they are continuous…
I am unclear what you are describing. Is this a para equestrian accommodation?
Loops are not legal
What brand / type of reins is it?
My understanding is that the continuous reins are legal but the “add on” pieces are not. You can confirm in the rules - https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F3p8pgrWgAo/dr-dressage-division
Can someone explain what these are and why they’d be used? I have never seen an able-bodied rider using this kind of thing, only para equestrians and of course it’s legal if you qualify for that accommodation.
When you have a kid learning about contact it is easier on the horses mouth and the kid can still learn
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Yeah but what are they? Hand loops or side reins or draw reins or what? Can you post a link to a photo online? I just don’t know what this is. I’m sure it’s not legal in regular competition though!
Oh is this it, an elastic insert into the rein?
http://www.rein-aid.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=28
when items like these (Rein aid tm) first came out they were quickly made illegal. The original ones were endorsed by Hilda Gurney but that did not make them show legal.
quote
A rein is a continuous, uninterrupted strap or line from the bridle bit to the hand. Rein additions or attachments are not permitted.
endquote
there is also a rule about training gadgets.
You may get by with these in a schooling show, but be careful, some fully enforce USEF rules.
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They are like elasticey inserts in the reins to make them more stretchy - on the same idea as the rubber donut I sidereins but not so obvious. Not legal.
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Well… not so sure about that as I’ve « experienced » quite the opposite.
Acquaintance at the barn was using that type of rein with elastic inserts and proudly told me that she learned when to release! She would hold on until the elastic was stretched and she could hear some « pop », then she would release… Ok…
I took the reins and tried to stretch them… Well, let just say it was quite hard to stretch and if I had to pull like that before releasing, my arms would hurt.
Better teach and learn with the right tools.
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@GreyDes Is correct. I can’t pull up the current equipment guide, but if you take a look here at the 2016 one (page 18) you will see the photographs of both kinds and the explanation of the legality/illegality. https://files.usef.org/assets/VqIPYDBJxJA/2016dressageattireequipmentbooklet.pdf
It has worked for us… not going to get into it other then she uses the continuous rein and it appears to be legal. Thanks
The end does not necessarily justify the means.
A rider, young or old, should not be using crutches in order to show.
A basic requirement for a good contact is a strong independent seat. The second requirement is the ability to divorce te arms from the body,using the elbows a shock absorbers in order to maintain an even contact. Further communication with the bit comes quietly softly from the fingers,which should not be clenched on the reins.
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Yes, I don’t really see how these would help much. I don’t think anyone adult or child, dressage or jumpers, should be asked to ride on clear contact before they have independent seat and hands.
Otherwise they learn to water-ski on the reins. Which translates to feeling insecure on a loose rein.
If you really want to protect the mouths of your good old schoolmasters toting beginners, go bitless in some form.
Honestly I don’t see why legality is even in question because if the rider doesn’t have good seat and hands, why are they going to a show?
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OP how old is your child and how long has she been riding? I have never heard of rein aides. From what other posters have said WRT the rules they seem to be illegal. If someone cannot ride without this type of device I don’t think they are ready to show. A good way to save a horse’s mouth is longe lessons. I myself went back to them after a riding accident that left me hanging on my horse’s mouth out of fear.
The great part about learning about contact is you do it outside of the show ring, so the legality doesn’t matter so much. A very well known and well regarded Olympian and judge had an older adult rider in these last week, definitely a learning experience and served a purpose, and we can learn many many things and use tools to help us improve, outside of the show ring.
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OP - I refer you to the USEF Rule Book - DR(dressage division) 121.2 and 7 - where it states that elastic inserts are only allowed in crown and cheek pieces and rein additions or attachments are not permitted.
They are illegal. You may not get caught, but you will be eliminated if you are.
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Yeah, I’ve just never seen or heard about these before.
I wouldn’t use these in competition, but the full reins are legal. See page 18: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/sAH3nOVD85c/dressage-attire-equipment-booklet. Updated April 2018.
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