I have noticed that several of the horses at my new barn sport this equipment under saddle. They run from the girth (between the front legs) through the bit ring to the dees on the front of the saddle. I asked about them and was told they were schmoekles (?) - a german training aid.
I’ve tried searching the term and am not having any luck. (I’m sure my spelling is wrong!) I would like to do some research on them. Any ideas?
Sounds like running reins (also called lauffer reins) usually used while lunging with a surcingle. Like a short version of draw reins but the rider has no control over them.
Anything that goes between the legs act like draw reins. So yes, those are draw reins.
Lauffer reins go to EACH SIDE of the horse, not between the legs.
Like this
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0850/0570/products/TN128309_hoch_grande.jpeg?v=1439476475
Lauffer are also called “Balancing” or traingle side reins.
Draw reins are sometime called Vienna reins.
Many people use these names interchangeably, but that is not correct-- even in sales ads.
The main point is if it goes through the front legs it will act very differently than those that go in the triangle.
You will never see draw rein action on my horse, but I do like the balancing reins for longing- sliding side reins.
I never have any straps on my horse riding, major safety issue.
Whatever they are, I tried a similar version, they act similar to a martingale combined with draw rein, only come in contact if horse throws head up. My horse tripped in them and almost fell , last time I used them. Not worth it don’t bother
[QUOTE=HicksteadFan;8580948]
Sounds like running reins (also called lauffer reins) usually used while lunging with a surcingle. Like a short version of draw reins but the rider has no control over them.[/QUOTE]
Yes, very similar. These do have a cord like material that runs thru the bit ring, rather than leather.
Not saying I would use them - just really curious as to the “why”.
On one horse they are adjusted so loosely, I don’t see that they actually do anything.
Another has a somewhat tighter adjustment - but, I didn’t see any interference.
When I asked if they were like draw reins - I was told “no, not at all, they are (insert german word).”
Trainer will be long lining my horse tonight - I should probably just ask her!
[QUOTE=Tiger Horse;8580995]
Not saying I would use them - just really curious as to the “why”.
On one horse they are adjusted so loosely, I don’t see that they actually do anything.
Another has a somewhat tighter adjustment - but, I didn’t see any interference.
When I asked if they were like draw reins - I was told “no, not at all, they are (insert german word).”
Trainer will be long lining my horse tonight - I should probably just ask her![/QUOTE]
I think your friends are mistaken? anyways, Leverage works, horses learn really quickly to give to that pressure.
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/gadgets.php
My opinion is the horse will feel a backwards action even if they aren’t “tight”.
Do you want to work down and back on the poll or up and out?
the ones I used functioned more like a martingale only went into play when horse threw head up
Nylon doesn’t break, so I think it’s very risky to ride with that, even if i was pro-draw reins.
A draw rein goes to the rider’s hand. What you’re describing, OP, sounds like a Lauffer rein or Vienna Rein. Lauffers, as a pair, can be arranged on the sides of the girth, through the bit rings, to the saddle dees or higher up on the girth somewhere.
Vienna reins are a single unit that attach on the girth between the horse’s front legs, through the bit rings and back to the girth (or dees), They for the shape of a “Y”. The bottom goes between the front legs. The "arms’ of the Y are the parts that go through the bit rings.
Used judiciously, there is nothing wrong with them. Sadly, like any device, they can be misused. Especially useful for ewe-necked horses or spoiled ones.
Not a Schumacher rein? Granted, when I’ve seen one used it’s not quite as described, but I’m sure there are different iterations and it’s a German word. LOL.
It sounds like you are describing Vienna reins, which, as pointed out, are not the same as Lauffer (or balancing) side reins.
Vienna Reins: http://www.railandtrailtack.com/images/products/1199.JPG
Lauffer Reins:https://www.albenisa.de/out/pictures/master/product/1/8f5e54d2c5b1e549145a527cf9da365d_p1.jpg
Just to add – I would NEVER ride with Lauffers or Viennas. Incredibly dangerous. Should a horse step through or on a loop of the reins (think for instance, of a horse that stops to rub his face or snatch at grass) – there could be a hell of a wreck.
[QUOTE=SendenHorse;8581023]
I think your friends are mistaken? anyways, Leverage works, horses learn really quickly to give to that pressure.
http://www.sustainabledressage.net/tack/gadgets.php
My opinion is the horse will feel a backwards action even if they aren’t “tight”.
Do you want to work down and back on the poll or up and out?[/QUOTE]
Relaxation is our key concern right now, along with the proper use of his back. So, technically I think we are working towards down and slightly out (like a stretchy circle).
These reins are useful for such horses who need to learn to relax, swing and use the back. I used them on my gelding rehabbing him from a back injury. He had the injury when I got him.
Tiger Horse, do you have hills in your area? Trail riding up and down hills also helps both relaxation and use of the back.
I’ve usually heard vienna/lauffer used interchangeably. I use the ones described as “lauffer” above - they’re great for a horse that wants to lean on standard side reins, but also understands the idea of stretching into the contact - once they hit the appropriate degree of stretch they stop, but they can’t hang on them.
I would ride in them though! But that being said, kids in europe ride in side reins all the time.
I have ridden in a german martingale - acts a bit like a draw rein, but if it’s been adjusted correctly to start with it’s hard to tighten up too much. It was useful for the period where my mare thought threatening to break her rider’s nose was an appropriate response to going forward (we were having serious 5yo-mareitis). Used it to shut down the evasion until forward was properly installed, and then ditched it.
[QUOTE=Tiger Horse;8581054]
Relaxation is our key concern right now, along with the proper use of his back. So, technically I think we are working towards down and slightly out (like a stretchy circle).[/QUOTE]
Look at the link I sent-- it will explain things.
Even working long and low, the horse should stay out/at the vertical with the nose and elevate the shoulder. When you have the draw reins on this prevents that. It chops the horse in half at the wither. You want a nice seemless flow over the wither to the poll- no breaking at the third.
I have never seen a relaxed horse in DR, look at what muscles are activated.
[QUOTE=Dutchmare433;8581044]
Not a Schumacher rein? Granted, when I’ve seen one used it’s not quite as described, but I’m sure there are different iterations and it’s a German word. LOL.[/QUOTE]
I don’t think so - but, I could be wrong (wouldn’t be the first time!)
what is a Schumacher rein? never heard of it. thanks
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