Understanding the Five Rein Aids

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Updated:

September 13, 2024

Dressage, Hunter Jumper, Eventing, Schooling

By Sarah Mellings, EC Licensed Competition coach

Whenever I coach a new group of riders at a clinic or in a lesson, I am always surprised at how few people can tell me the five different rein aids and the purpose of each. Therefore, it is always a question I like to throw out to the group. I usually see people looking down and moving their hands around, some vague stares, and the occasional rider being able to describe at least one or two of the five.

Rein aids are fundamental communication tools between rider and horse, facilitating direction, balance, and connection during riding. Each rein aid serves a specific purpose, allowing riders to communicate their intentions effectively. Let’s delve into the five different rein aids and explore examples of when to use each one.

1 - Direct Rein

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Photo: Sarah Mellings

The most basic and commonly-used rein aid is the direct rein. This rein aid acts directly to the rear and controls forward movement with two hands. The direct rein influences the horse from front to back longitudinally and can be used for turning and to maintain straightness. For instance, when turning left the rider applies pressure with the left rein while maintaining contact with the right rein to support the horse’s balance.

2 - Indirect Rein

Photo: Sarah Mellings

Indirect rein in front of the withers: This rein aid acts indirectly to the rear, in the direction of the rider’s opposite hip. The indirect rein is used to guide the horse’s shoulder and encourage lateral movement. It has the effect of displacing the horse’s weight onto the opposite shoulder. To execute this aid, the rider brings one hand slightly to the side and backward, positioning the rein against the horse’s neck in front of the withers. This aids in bending the horse around a circle or maneuvres through obstacles without losing forward momentum.

Indirect rein behind the withers: Contrary to the previous aid, the indirect rein behind the withers targets the horse’s hindquarters, influencing direction and impulsion. By moving one hand slightly to the side and backward, the rider applies pressure on the rein behind the withers, encouraging the horse to yield its hindquarters and move sideways. This aid is useful for executing lateral movements such as leg-yields and half-passes.

3 - Opening Rein

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Photo: Sarah Mellings

The opening rein is employed to create space for the horse’s shoulder or to encourage straightness. It involves moving one hand outward and slightly forward, opening the rein away from the horse’s neck. For instance, during a turn or circle the rider may use the opening rein on the inside to allow the horse to bend around the rider’s leg while maintaining balance and alignment.=

4 - Bearing Rein

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Photo: Sarah Mellings

The bearing rein, also known as the neck rein, is commonly used in Western riding to guide the horse by laying the rein against the neck rather than pulling directly on the bit. When riding with a bearing (neck) rein, the rider applies pressure on the opposite side of the desired turn, prompting the horse to move in the intended direction. This aid allows for precise control and is particularly useful for one-handed riding, such as when working cattle or performing intricate maneuvres.

5 - Pulley Rein

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Photo: Sarah Mellings

The pulley rein is an advanced rein aid used to halt or control a strong, resistant, or bolting horse. I like to call it the “emergency stop rein.” With this technique, the knuckles of the rider’s inside hand press against the crest of the horse’s neck while the outside hand pulls back and up. This action creates leverage and encourages the horse to yield to the pressure, gradually coming to a halt or returning control to the rider.

Understanding and mastering the various rein aids in riding is essential for effective communication and harmony between rider and horse. By utilizing these aids appropriately, riders can achieve precise cues, maintain balance, and guide their horses with clarity and finesse.

More by Sarah Mellings

Main Photo: iStock-610963558 – CasarsaGuru