Draw Reins and Running Reins - English Riding

English Riding

The terms "draw reins" and "running reins" are often used interchangeably in the English disciplines. The terms most often refer to reins which go from the rider's hand, through one bit ring (inside to outside), and attach to the girth. Usually this style is called a "running rein," though the term "draw rein" is also sometimes used. Some styles attach directly to a regular snaffle rein, which limits the degree of force applied, while others slide freely and with little limit to the leverage that can be applied. Another style, also called a "draw rein," runs from the rider's hands, through the bit ring (outside to inside), over the poll, through the other bit ring, and back to the rider's hands, without attaching to the girth.

In Hunt seat style English riding, these devices originally developed as a two-rein bitting system. One set of reins is an ordinary direct snaffle rein, and the other is the running or draw rein. The rider holds these reins in a manner similar to a double bridle, usually with the snaffle rein below the fourth finger and the running or draw rein between the third and fourth fingers, although there are variations on this. When riding in this fashion, the rider should ride predominantly on the snaffle rein. However, riders and trainers may often be observed using only the running or draw rein, in many cases with the snaffle rein completely absent from the bridle. Riding with draw reins alone is a controversial practice among English riders.