Draw reins—also called running reins—are a training aid, not a shortcut to a reliable jumping horse. They can provide a temporary line of communication during carefully supervised flatwork, but they can also restrict the horse’s head and neck when fitted or handled poorly. That distinction matters when people ask why showjumpers use draw reins and whether they should jump in them.
What are draw reins?
Draw reins are a second set of reins that run from the rider’s hands through the bit rings to the girth or another approved attachment point. The horse must still wear and be ridden from the ordinary snaffle reins. Because the draw rein changes the direction and leverage of the contact, it should be introduced by an experienced trainer who can assess the horse, tack fit, rider balance, and underlying cause of the problem.
Why might a rider use them?
Used briefly and with a light, following hand, running reins may help a horse understand a consistent contact, improve straightness, or begin to carry the neck and back more evenly during flat schooling. They should never be used to force the nose behind the vertical or to hold the head in a fixed outline. A round frame is the result of balance, forward movement, suppleness, and strength—not simply a low head.
- Use them only after the horse understands steering, rhythm, transitions, and basic responses to the leg.
- Begin with generous length and short sessions in a safe enclosed arena.
- Keep the ordinary reins attached and usable at all times.
- Release when the horse softens; do not maintain constant restrictive tension.
- Remove them regularly so the horse does not become dependent on them.
Are draw reins safe?
They are not automatically safe or unsafe; the risk depends on the horse, the fit, the attachment, the rider, and the way the aid is used. A draw rein that is too short can prevent the horse from stretching, lifting the neck, or using the back. It may produce an artificial outline while increasing tension, evasions, loss of balance, or soreness. Head tossing can also be a sign of pain, dental trouble, saddle-fit problems, lameness, or unsuitable contact, so tack or training aids should not be used to mask it.
Do not use draw reins as brakes for a strong horse, a punishment for resistance, or a substitute for qualified instruction. If a horse rears, bolts, or becomes unsafe, dismounting and getting help is safer than tightening a training aid. Have the horse’s teeth, saddle, back, and limbs checked when behavior changes suddenly.
Can you jump in draw reins?
That is a rules-and-risk question, not a simple yes or no. A horse needs freedom to raise and extend the head and neck over a fence. A restrictive setup can interfere with balance, bascule, landing, and the horse’s ability to see and negotiate the obstacle. For that reason, many trainers reserve running reins for controlled flatwork and remove them before jumping.
Rules also vary by country, discipline, class, venue, and whether the horse is schooling or competing. USEF hunter and hunter-seat-equitation rules effective December 1, 2025 address safe use of draw reins and similar tack when schooling over fences, including requirements for how certain attachments are routed. Check the current rulebook and ask the steward or show office rather than relying on an old blog post. Competition rules can change.
How should a beginner approach them?
Beginners should not learn to use draw reins by copying a competition photograph or adjusting them without an instructor on the ground. First solve the basics with ordinary reins: rhythm, steering, transitions, a stable lower leg, and a soft independent hand. If a qualified trainer recommends running reins, agree on the attachment, length, duration, exercises, and clear stop signs before mounting.
Stop immediately if the horse becomes short-strided, over-bent, tense, resistant, heavy in the hand, unable to stretch, or unable to lift the neck. A training aid should make correct work clearer and easier—not conceal a problem.
Related jumping and tack guides
- Can You Show Jump in a Hackamore?
- Which Stirrups Are Best for Dressage?
- What to Wear for Show Jumping
Frequently asked questions
Why do showjumpers use draw reins?
Some use them during supervised flatwork to clarify contact or help a horse develop balance. They are not a replacement for forward movement, strength, correct training, or a veterinary and tack check.
Can you jump a horse in draw reins?
Some rules permit specific schooling use, while others restrict equipment by class or venue. Because the aid can limit the horse’s head and neck, many trainers remove it before jumping. Check the current rules and use qualified supervision.
Are draw reins cruel?
Improper use can cause discomfort, tension, and loss of balance. Ethical use requires a suitable horse, correct fit, generous adjustment, light hands, short sessions, and a clear training purpose. Never use them to punish or force an outline.
What should I use instead of draw reins?
Start with ordinary reins, transitions, poles, correct leg-to-hand connection, and qualified instruction. Address pain, dental, saddle-fit, and lameness concerns before adding a restrictive training aid.