How to Be a ‘Rein-Dear’ This Year

Top international equitation scientists offer tips to ensure you use your riding reins in a horse-friendly, ethical way.
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How to be a
Over the past several years equitation scientists have researched rein use to better understand how this riding tool affects the horse, how we use it, and what kinds of tension we’re creating. | Photo: Thinkstock
It’s that exciting time of year! That wonderful time when we riders aren’t sitting on a horse but under a tree, shaking presents. Is that a new saddle pad? Uh oh, that one smells like a bottle of perfume. (Hey, people, we like smelling like a horse!) And check out that long skinny box… It’s just got to be that beautiful new pair of reins from the tack shop window. Right?

But wait, before we open that box, let’s ask ourselves: “Am I a rein-dear?”

Yes, that’s right. Rein-dear. A rider who’s dear with the horse’s reins.

Over the past several years equitation scientists have researched rein use to better understand how this riding tool affects the horse, how we use it, and what kinds of tension we’re creating. Their work is helping us ride our horses more ethically and making our mounts a fairer partner in this team sport of equitation. In other words, it’s helping us become “dears” with our hands on those reins

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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