Draw Reins

Material

• Genuine leather with soft nylon cord
• Handcrafted
• Easy to care for
• Rustproof stainless steel fittings

Function

• Detachable design
• Includes two saddle loops
• Quick and flexible attachment
• Swivel snap hooks
• Suitable for experienced riders
• With storage bag

• experienced riders with a steady, independent hand
• targeted, time-limited support for horses that clearly evade the bit by raising their head
• corrective work where additional guidance should only be used when necessary
• training sessions where finely adjustable additional control is required
• riders who want to attach draw reins flexibly and release them quickly when needed
• controlled use as a supplementary aid, not as a permanent rein solution

Do draw reins work via the principle of a pulley system, with the lead from the attachment point through the bit ring back to the rider's hand? This changes the force applied to the bit, and the rein aid can have a significantly stronger effect than with a normal rein. This is precisely why a soft hand is so crucial: when used correctly, draw reins can provide targeted support, but if used incorrectly or kept under constant tension, they can impair the horse's natural self-carriage.

What are draw reins and how do they work?

Draw reins are additional training aids that, depending on the desired configuration, are attached to the girth or directly to the saddle's girth straps. From there, they run through the bit rings back to the rider's hand. This redirection changes the effect of the rein aid, allowing even small hand movements to be transmitted more clearly to the horse than with standard reins.

What is the difference between draw reins and normal reins?

Normal reins provide a direct connection between the rider's hand and the bit. Draw reins additionally run through an attachment point and through the bit rings. They are therefore used to supplement the normal reins and must not replace them.

When can draw reins be useful in training?

In experienced hands, they can provide temporary support if a horse raises its head significantly and thereby evades the normal rein contact. The goal should always be to return to using as little additional leverage as possible and to maintain the desired posture through the seat, legs, and normal reins.

Why should draw reins only be used by experienced riders?

Due to the redirection, hand movements can be transmitted more strongly to the bit. If draw reins are kept under constant tension or used too forcefully, the horse's natural head and neck movement can be restricted. An independent, finely nuanced rider's hand is therefore particularly important.

How should draw reins be held in the hand?

Normal reins and draw reins are held together, but controlled independently of each other. The normal rein remains the primary connection to the horse. The draw rein should only provide supportive influence when necessary and then be released immediately.

How are draw reins attached?

The included saddle loops provide suitable attachment points on the saddle's girth straps. Alternatively, the draw reins can be attached with snap hooks directly to the lower D-ring of an appropriately equipped girth. From there, they run through the bit rings back to the rider's hand. The swiveling snap hooks adapt to the direction of pull and help prevent the straps from twisting during movement.

Why does the sliding section consist of nylon cord?

The soft nylon cord slides easily through the bit rings, allowing for smooth guidance. At the same time, it combines with the durable genuine leather to create a sturdy training aid for targeted application.

Are draw reins allowed in competitions?

Only to a limited extent. According to current 2026 German Equestrian Federation (FN) regulations, draw reins are permitted in M** and S level show jumping classes in the warm-up arena, but not while jumping obstacles. Different requirements apply to other classes. You should therefore always check the current LPO equipment catalog before a competition.

Are draw reins allowed in international show jumping competitions?

Draw reins are not permitted in the actual FEI show jumping course. The FEI prohibits draw reins or running reins in the competition arena, except for explicitly mentioned exceptions such as certain prize-giving ceremonies.

Should draw reins be used during the entire training session?

They are intended as a targeted support and not to permanently fix a specific head position. As soon as the horse returns to a calm contact with the normal reins, the additional influence should be reduced.

• Use only as intended as an auxiliary rein to support the horse's head and neck position.
• Check for material fatigue, cracks, loose seams, or damaged fittings before each use.
• Do not continue to use the draw reins if they are damaged or show significant wear.
• Check the fit and attachment regularly to avoid pressure points or chafing.
• Do not make any unauthorized repairs or modifications.
• Clean and condition leather parts regularly to prevent drying out and material breakage.
• Allow wet leather to dry slowly at room temperature; do not place on radiators or in direct sunlight.
• Do not store near open flames, heat sources, or chemical substances.
• Do not leave the product on the horse unattended.