Side Reins

I haven't used draw reins much in my training. I used a german martingale for a few weeks about 18 years ago, but didn't like the feel. I always rode my reiners and some of my hunters in running martingale rings, but even got away from that in recent years. So when a trainer I work with now suggested longeing my mares in a pessoa rig, I procrastinated, more out of force of habit and because I don't lounge Mandi much than because I chose not to do so. But when I brought Mandi back into work in mid-December, she was high from the lay-off on her own full-time agenda. So I began longeing her in side reins. The effect was intriguing, but she continued to invert under saddle. I left the side reins on one day recently when I rode, and the result was OK. I continued, and last night we had a breakthrough. Mandi spooked around for a while, squirming and feeling ADD. Her lead changes were solid, though, and she relaxed within a couple of strides after the change from left to right, and while not as quickly from right to left, she did eventually settle within about a half-circle. After her canter work, I decided to conclude with more trotting. After just a few steps, Mandi relaxed her neck, lowered her head, softened her jaw and settled into a fabulous, absolutely rhythmic swinging trot. It almost felt as though she'd been hypnotized into some new, utterly relaxed zone. This mare doesn't cease to amaze and humble me with her try and heart.

I love my Mandi Mae.