In educating the mouth of the horse according to the School of Legerete the hand has three roles :
🌟The Relaxing Hand
🌟The Positioning Hand
🌟The Guiding Hand.
The hand should first Relax, then Position then finally Guide.
As part of the education of the mouth the following rein aids should be taught:
The Relaxing Hand - Cession de machiore
The Positioning Hand - Demi –Arret, Neck Extension (Action-Reaction), Lateral neck flexion, Poll Flexion
The Guiding Hand - Neck Rein (Opening and Closing Rein)
What is the Neck Rein?
The Neck Rein Aid is an opening and/or closing rein used to guide the horse, in harmony with the other aids , to move their weight between the shoulders. The neck rein is also sometimes known as the indirect rein. The neck rein is used to initiate changes of direction, either in true bend or in counter bend.
How to teach Neck Rein to your horse
Initially the neck rein can be taught in-hand. Using the whip and the handler’s body position to establish shoulder control in the cavesson this can then be linked to the neck rein in the in-hand bridle work.
Under saddle the rider can then further explain the neck rein with the whip on the shoulder. The rein on one side approaches the horse’s neck and causes him to turn away to the opposite side by shifting his weight to the opposite shoulder.
How to use Neck Rein
Neck Rein Exercises
Possible neck rein exercises include:
🌟Flechi Droit
🌟Turns in Counter Bend
🌟Turns in True Bend
Don't forget to work both sides
The program should include frequent changes of direction and bend to ensure that the horse can relax into the work without tension, cramps and muscle aches. While the horse has a natural imbalance and might need more work on one side it is important to work both sides. In the examples we have used above we are addressing one side only - Don't forget the other side!
Use counter-bend exercises first
A horse at liberty in the paddock will more naturally turn in Counter Bend. Therefore it is easier to use the neck rein in Counter Bend exercises first. This can include counter bend turns on corners, serpentines, voltes, half voltes, zig-zags, figure 8 etc.
A last word on the usefulness of teaching Neck Rein
The neck rein, or aid to move the weight of the shoulders, is a useful aid to teach the horse as it is so important in working towards a straight horse. By using the neck rein for this aid our leg aids can be reserved for impulsion and for moving the quarters.
Christine Mogensen - Principal, Blinkbonnie Equestrian Centre
Note: This information has drawn heavily from “The Art of Riding” by Philippe Karl.
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