Side Reins vs. “Elbow Pull”
(Pg. 20, 9-26-16) When I first began training equines, I used “Side Reins” to help my Longears to collect their bodies for optimum use in the Round Pen after leading training for correct postural core strength in the Hourglass Pattern, but it didn’t take me long to realize that there were serious issues with the “Side Reins.” First, the “Side Reins” seemed to cause tension throughout the body instead of producing freedom of movement in good equine posture. “Side Reins” did produce flexion at the poll, but the hind quarters were only partially engaged and were still being somewhat “trailered” behind. The moderate stretch in the “Side Reins” invited my Longears to pull against them resulting in the saddle slipping forward even with the crupper snugly attached, causing the mule or donkey to raise his head instead of relaxing and “giving” at the poll with no tension. And, it did not allow for much freedom of motion. The “Elbow Pull” alleviates all of these issues and produces the freedom of movement in good equine posture that I sought. The “Elbow Pull” is NOT a “Tie Down” or “Draw Reins,” and does not produce the same reaction from the equine. Rather, it is a “POSTURAL AID” that helps them to keep their whole body in good posture during lessons with leading, lunging, ground driving and even riding. It allows the equine to raise his head above the withers with full freedom of movement. They can lower their head and neck all the way to the ground, and as far as they can reach from side to side. It only restricts them from raising their head so high that they hollow their neck and back. Breeds that like to carry their heads higher like Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, Thoroughbreds and other “high-headed” individuals can still be quite comfortable in this postural AID (or restraint). My equines gained postural balance with increased core strength in the elements that support the skeletal frame during the leading exercises, and showed increased range of motion with the “Elbow Pull.” They were better able to step well underneath their bodies with their hind quarters for increased impulsion and suspension. They learned to execute turns and pivots properly, staying in good posture through the turns while properly placing their hind quarter pivot foot.
They were better able to collect their bodies for a smooth and truly remarkable ride during more collected demands, such as the very slow Western Pleasure walk, trot and canter, and in the more collected gaits with the added impulsion and movements of Dressage. This freedom of movement has produced amazing versatility in my equines with minimal resistance and has created multiple Lucky Three Ranch champions in all kinds of equine activities, but you must do the correct postural leading exercises in the very beginning before putting the “Elbow Pull” to other uses for the best results. If your equine is over two years old, it is advisable to do the leading exercises in the Hourglass Pattern WITH the “Elbow PULL.” Animals under 2 years will not need this kind of restraint until later. Give your equine the athletic edge and make your training experience resistance free! Peruse our website at www.luckythreeranch.com and look in the various sections under TRAINING and in the STORE for reliable management and training information. How to make the “Elbow Pull” is covered in my EQUUS REVISITED DVD in the STORE. And, if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com and I will answer you PROMPTLY.
