What Horse Owners Know About Auxiliary Reins?

Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Auxiliary Reins during Horse Riding

" by Heidrun Gehlen, Julia Puhlmann, Roswitha Merle, and Christa Thöne-Reineke, published in Animals (2021)"

The study was conducted at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin (Berlin Free University). The researchers investigated horse owners' knowledge of auxiliary reins, how frequently they were used, and whether they were used appropriately. A total of 823 horse owners participated in the survey, with 362 respondents reporting the use of auxiliary reins at least every two weeks.

What Horse Owners Know About Auxiliary Reins

Auxiliary reins are widely used throughout the equestrian world, yet their use remains one of the most debated topics in horse training. While some riders view them as valuable training tools, others question whether they are in the horse's best interest.

The survey included 823 horse owners and explored how frequently auxiliary reins were used, which types were preferred, and whether riders understood their intended purpose.

The findings revealed that auxiliary reins are commonly used across a wide range of disciplines and experience levels. However, the study also highlighted important concerns regarding riders' understanding of their correct application. Many participants expressed confidence in their knowledge, yet the results suggested that misconceptions about the function and effects of auxiliary reins remain widespread.

The researchers emphasized that incorrect use of auxiliary reins may negatively affect the horse's welfare, biomechanics, and overall training performance.

For riders and trainers, the findings serve as an important reminder that no training aid should replace a solid understanding of equine biomechanics, correct training principles, and careful observation of the horse's physical and behavioral responses.

Read Full Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8300424/