Question: Is it ok to school over jumps with draw reins on? - Lisa Libertyville, IL

Answer: It is fine to school small obstacles or cavalletti with draw reins attached as a training aid. However, please make sure they are the type of draw reins that clip to the breast plate and not the type that attach to the belly portion of the girth. It is possible during schooling for a horse to get "hung up" in the rein itself when they attach on the underneath part of the girth as a result of a possible spook, trip, stumble or some unforeseen circumstance. It is also advisable to have a trainer or instructor present when training in this fashion.

Additionally, it is important to remember to stay with small jumps only when using draw reins; preferably under two feet. Once you start schooling more elevated jumps with draw reins attached you then start compromising the horse's balance and stability while jumping with regard to the use of his head and neck in order to jump in a safe manner. I also would not advise using the draw reins on a consistent basis. Once you accomplish your goal with the use of draw reins– hopefully in the short term– then it's probably best to move on and try to attain the same result that you had with draw reins, without their assistance. Draw reins are only meant to be used on an abbreviated basis.