Rein Positions

These are the basic positions we use to cue the horse.
Each type of rein cue has a very distinct meaning and it is important to understand what each cue means to the horse. Remember to release the pressure on the reins when the horse responds correctly.


Indirect Rein- One rein up and slightly inwards.

This is the most important rein position with a young horse. It can be used to perform a one rein halt, by bending the horse to a stop where the nose is at your toe. It is also responsible for lateral flexion and yielding the hindquarters.

Direct Rein - Opening Rein- One rein opens out away from the horse.

This rein position is responsible for moving the shoulders in the direction of the rein.
The opening rein is used to turn the horse by yielding the shoulders in the direction you want to go.
Ideally you should use the opening rein as the front foot on that side leaves the ground.


Supporting Rein - One Rein Resisting

The supporting rein is usually used as an outside rein. This rein position helps to keep the outside shoulder straight, stopping the horse from bulging the outside shoulder forwards, or from letting the horse lean forwards over the outside shoulder.


Two Reins Resisting - Is used for a halt, half halt, down transition or reinback.

Contact An elastic connection to the horses mouth on both reins.
It is a very soft light connection that is milder than a cue, but contact enough to keep a connection to the horse. Contact allows the horse to immediately detect when you apply a cue, without suddenly being surprised by the cue. The contact allows the horse to respond smoothly with minimum disruption to the rhythm.


Split Rein Stop

Lifting one rein, lowering the other rein and applying resisting pressure is also known as an emergency or split rein halt. However if this does not work , then use the one rein halt by bending the horses nose around to your knee.