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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Aux...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(7); doi: 10.3390/ani11072146

Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Auxiliary Reins during Horse Riding.

Abstract: Auxiliary reins are commonly used for the training of riders and horses as well as in daily training. They are often criticized when used incorrectly, as they will not help and can harm the horse by causing overwork, accidents, and injuries, which harm the horse in the long term. They also often conceal causal rider problems while trying to achieve quick success. The aim of this paper was to investigate, with an online horse-owner questionnaire, which and how often auxiliary reins were used and whether they were used appropriately. Only participants who were currently using auxiliary reins were selected. Consequently, 823 participants were questioned, of which 362 were currently using auxiliary reins at least every two weeks. Auxiliary reins were mainly used according to their discipline: the running side rein was the most popular when working from the ground and the sliding ring martingale was the most popular for ridden equestrian activities. Most of the test subjects only attached the auxiliary reins after the warm-up phase, but half of the participants did not change them during the entire training session. Most participants (75%) could at least identify what the correct head position of the horse should look like. However, there were still too many (50%) who adjusted their horse too tightly and did not change anything at that time despite the related breathing problems. The study found that most participants used the reins responsibly, but there is still a need for clarification and information relating to the functions of the different auxiliary reins among horse owners.
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Publication Date: 2021-07-20 PubMed ID: 34359274PubMed Central: PMC8300424DOI: 10.3390/ani11072146Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on the use of auxiliary reins during horse riding, investigating how often they’re used and whether they’re used properly. It was found that while most surveyed horse owners use the reins responsibly, there’s still a need for better understanding about their proper and safe use.

Methodology and Participant Selection

  • The researchers sought to gain insight into the manner and frequency of auxiliary reins usage among horse owners. Their methods involved the use of an online questionnaire.
  • Importantly, only participants who were currently using auxiliary reins were selected for the study. This led to a sample size of 362 participants who were using auxiliary reins at least every two weeks, out of a larger pool of 823 surveyed individuals.

Auxiliary Rein Usage Statistics

  • The study revealed that the usage of specific types of auxiliary reins was strongly influenced by the discipline of the rider. For ground work, running side reins were most commonly used, whereas the sliding ring martingale was preferred for ridden equestrian activities.
  • The study also revealed that most riders attached the auxiliary reins after warming up the horse. However, about half of them did not adjust the reins during the course of the entire training session.

Understandings and Misconceptions of Correct Usage

  • The survey showed that 75% of the participants had a good understanding of the correct head position for the horse when using auxiliary reins. This suggests a general understanding of the basic purpose and correct usage of the reins.
  • However, the study also indicated certain misconceptions and improper practice among riders. Around 50% of the participants adjusted the reins too tightly on their horses, leading to potential breathing problems. Despite this, these riders were found to make no changes to the rein adjustment during the training session.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • While the majority of participants were found to be using the auxiliary reins in a responsible manner, there was also a significant finding of inappropriate use, indicating potential harm for the horses.
  • The researchers concluded that there’s a pressing need for improved information circulation and awareness about the different types of auxiliary reins, their specific functions, and guidelines for correct usage. This could help prevent misuse and the associated risks for horse health and training.

Cite This Article

APA
Gehlen H, Puhlmann J, Merle R, Thöne-Reineke C. (2021). Evaluating Horse Owner Expertise and Professional Use of Auxiliary Reins during Horse Riding. Animals (Basel), 11(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072146

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 7

Researcher Affiliations

Gehlen, Heidrun
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Department, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Puhlmann, Julia
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Department, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Merle, Roswitha
  • Veterinary Department, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
Thöne-Reineke, Christa
  • Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, Veterinary Department, Institute of Animal Welfare, Freie Universitaet Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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