Does calling them Klosterhof reins show my age ? I’m old…
[QUOTE=ThreeFigs;8582721]
I can’t see any difference between a German Martingale and a Market Harborough, but I’ve not compared them side by side in real life. All these similar/identical devices with different names – confusing![/QUOTE]
As far as I can tell, they are exactly the same.
I should say that the German martingale did, in some ways, help my mare in developing her topline. It was actually recommended by a well-regarded sport-horse vet in this area. A lot of the issue is that I am just not a great basic dressage rider; I have had years of lessons and training, with good people (and some not so good), and the issues are not as bad, but still there. With a better rider, my mare would have progressed and developed more quickly, probably with no training aids at all.
But, as others have said, the safety of these sorts of things is questionable. I did make the serious mistake of taking the mare out for a trail ride in the German martingale, and she was panicky in a way she never was in the arena, I think because it kept her from looking around as much, and she’s a vigilant horse by nature. I got to a spot where I could halt her, and unclipped the GM reins, pulled them off the bit, and clipped them together over her neck.
[QUOTE=ThreeFigs;8582721]
Klosterhof reins are also known as Vienna reins. I’ve seen them called German reins, too.
I can’t see any difference between a German Martingale and a Market Harborough, but I’ve not compared them side by side in real life. All these similar/identical devices with different names – confusing![/QUOTE]
The only difference might be that I am in Australia and that is what we call them here.
Aah! That explains it!
Riding in side reins (ie Vienna reins) is very common in Europe. That is how you keep ponies under control and not taking advantage of their pint sized humans.
http://youtu.be/wMy4yQppCck (This is in German but makes my point)
In NA, for whatever reason, it is sacrilege! You will die! Your horse will die!
Your mileage may very 
I much prefer Vienna reins to draw reins. I will not permit those on mine.
[QUOTE=Magicboy;8582524]
I do know the Vienna reins , for lunging only not riding, as Klosterhof reins. Anyone else know that name? A good tool but not for riding in only lunging[/QUOTE]
Thank you - that’s the term (Klosterhof) that was being used!
