Draw Reins for Horses: Auxiliary Reins for Experienced Hands

Draw Reins: A Fine Tool for the Professional

Draw reins are a very specific auxiliary rein that is held in the rider's hands in addition to the normal snaffle reins. They run from the girth, through the bit rings, and into the rider's hand. This design creates a pulley effect: the force applied by the rider is doubled at the horse's mouth. Because of this extremely strong leverage, draw reins belong exclusively in the hands of very experienced, professional riders.

Mode of Action and Correct Use

When used correctly, draw reins serve to gently guide the horse's head downward during specific correction phases, or to provide a short-term "safety net" with very strong horses. The draw rein must always hang completely loose in the horse's basic outline! It only engages for a few seconds if the horse massively throws its head up, and the rider must immediately yield (let the rein slide) as soon as the horse chews and lowers its head.

Design and Materials

Draw reins usually consist of a combination of leather and webbing material, or entirely of soft leather. The part that glides through the bit rings should be as narrow and smooth as possible (e.g., rolled leather or nylon cord) so that it runs through the rings without jerking or catching. The reins are usually attached with a snap hook at the bottom of the girth or to the sides of the girth straps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are draw reins so controversial?
Because they can cause enormous damage if used incorrectly. If a rider pulls the draw reins permanently tight, the horse's nose is pulled to its chest (rollkur). This leads to massive tension, pain, and loss of trust. Therefore, they must never be used to force a horse into a frame.

How do you hold draw reins in your hands?
The rider holds two pairs of reins: the normal snaffle rein and the draw rein. The snaffle rein is held normally (between the little and ring finger). The draw rein is usually held between the ring and middle finger, or middle and index finger, to allow both reins to yield independently of each other.

Can I use draw reins when lunging?
No! Draw reins are not fixed side reins. They require a feeling, immediately yielding rider's hand and must never be buckled tightly to the girth or lunging roller.