How to Lunge a Horse in Side-Reins

Side-reins are a great tool to use to teach a horse to go into a frame without fighting with human hands. Side reins loop onto the girth and are attached to the bit. Lunging a horse in side-reins is also a great method to get a horse back into shape through their back muscles before being ridden. Side-reins are a useful tool when used properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Side-reins
• Surcingle or saddle
• Lunge line
• Lunge whip
• Bridle

1. Tack up your horse with a saddle or surcingle.

2. Hold up the side-reins to your horse from the girth to the bridle. If your horse has not had side-reins on before set the side-reins loose enough that they sag a little. If your horse has experience with side-reins set the side-reins so they make a straight line from the girth to the bit. The side-reins will slack when the horse puts its head down.

3. Attach the side-reins to the girth of the saddle or the surcingle and then snap them up to keep them from getting in the way.

4. Bridle your horse.

5. Take your horse to where you want to lunge.

6. Snap the side-reins to the bit of the horse carefully. Once they are hooked make sure that the horse begins to walk forward. Some horses will resist the pressure and rear or back.