Draw Reins and Running Reins - Uses

Uses

Running reins and draw reins are intended for use when the horse is performing an undesired behavior that cannot be corrected with less extreme equipment, and it is best practice to stop use as soon as the desired response is given.

Running reins (or western-style draw reins) are used by many trainers to teach the horse to give to rein pressure, and most horses respond by bringing the head in and lowering it. They may also provide additional control of heavy-mouthed horses, though it can also become a "crutch" that a rider becomes dependent on using at all times.

English style draw reins that run over the poll have a gag bit-like action. They encourage the horse to raise its head, although they may cause slight pressure on the poll, and are therefore good for certain horses that buck and plunge with the head lowered, attempt to run away by first lowering the head, and for horses that pull, lean on the bit, or have learned to lower the head and stop to unseat the rider

Western style draw reins work similarly to the English style running rein, in that they encourage the horse to bring its head down and in. However, they may apply more leverage and because western riders rarely use the regular rein, they offer less relief to the horse. Some trainers even run draw reins between the front legs and attach them to the cinch underneath the belly in order to get the horse to travel with the low and controversial "peanut roller" style headset popular in some western pleasure classes. However, horses can learn to evade draw reins by overflexing and putting their head practically on their chest, then charging ahead or, conversely, balking and refusing to move forward at all.