AUXILIARY AIDS

"All real horsemen know there are no short cuts in training and nothing is going to provide instant improvement or quick results."

I am definitely not into gadgets, and most of the time I train horses without anything extra, but sometimes there is a need for some help. However, all auxiliary aids must be used as a means to an end and not an end in themselves. They should be used with the utmost care and consideration, preferably with guidance from an expert who has experience in their use.

Draw Reins

I sometimes use draw reins when riding a horse who is not so well-behaved, for safety reasons. I totally believe in the classical system, but I am also a realist. If riding a difficult horse or an excitable stallion, for example, or when riding certain horses out on the track, I will always play safe. If when the horse is settled and I feel it is possible then I always take the draw reins off. If a horse carries its head too high and is extremely stiff in the neck or mouth, from previous incorrect training, then I might also use draw reins at the beginning of the training session until I feel the horse starts to give in the neck, poll and mouth.

Sally and the stallion, Cover Page, on the track

Riding every horse, every day, with draw reins or any other auxiliary aid is not a proper way to train any horse. It should always be a means to an end. An alternative to the draw reins, which I also use for similar reasons is the Market Harborough (other names are Tiedeman Rein and German Martingale).

Market Harborough

The Market Harborough is a good alternative to the draw reins which I like to use sometimes on young horses, for the same reasons for using the draw reins. This aid has an advantage in that it only works when needed and does not make the horse overbent. Therefore it is a better auxiliary aid to use with the young horse. It is useful to use in jumping when training a strong horse as it does not inhibit the stretch of the horse's neck over the jump.

Chambon/De Gogue

The Chambon/De Gogue is another auxiliary aid which I occasionally use on a horse who does not want to take contact and shortens its neck, especially at the point in front of the withers. It encourages him to stretch down, to soften and relax. It is especially good for horses who are stiff in the back, have an "upside down" neck or like to go "hollow" with the head held too high. The Chambon/ De Gogue can be used in lungeing and riding. It encourages him to use his back muscles properly and round his back, therefore promoting development and strength through the topline. It is a good idea to use the Chambon in lungeing on days in between intensive training or after a weekend competition to stretch the topline and relax the back muscles.