Wednesday, 07 January 2009
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August 2008 • VOLUME 36 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine  Indirect Rein of Opposition. The indirect rein of opposition is a powerful rein and frequently used in in-hand work as well as by the mounted rider. Its effects are powerful upon the horse. Its use is widespread and one sees it frequently used in both the English and the western culture. Sometimes it is given a name and sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes it has different names. Sometimes it is used but is spoken of in reference not to the rein but to the effect on the hindquarters. It is also used quite often inadvertently by riders quite unintentionally in everyday work, resulting in limitations or activity on the part of the horse that the rider is often unaware of. But first of all, what exactly is the indirect rein of opposition?
From someone riding English, their perspective of the indirect rein of opposition might follow the complete explanation as discussed by Disston. Disston describes the indirect rein of opposition as having two different effects, depending on whether the activation is in front or to the rear, of the withers. Each requires that the horse’s nose is turned in the direction of the indirect rein, then depending on whether the angle or action of the rein is in front of the withers or behind the withers this will result in the horse turning or moving over obliquely.
“Disston Indirect Rein of Opposition in Front of the Withers One hand is raised slightly to carry the rein across the horse’s neck toward the opposite side – in front of the withers – with pressure to that side and to the rear. The other hand is passive. If the left indirect rein is used, the horse’s muzzle is turned slightly to the left and rear (while the left hand is carried to the right across the horse’s neck, with tension to the right rear, causing the horse to turn to the right). This rein is used when the horse, moving, is to turn sharply – the degree of sharpness of the turn depending on the amount of pressure on the rein.” Disston then discusses the action of the indirect rein of opposition when used alternatively to the rear of the withers. “Indirect Rein of Opposition – in rear of the withers. One hand applies pressure toward the rear in the direction of the horse’s opposite hip, but does not cross the neck. The other hand is passive. The horse’s head is turned to the desired side and rear, its neck and spine curved to that side, forcing the mass of the horse against the opposite hip and hind leg, and increasing the weight borne by the opposite shoulder. This rein effect is used to move the horse in the opposite direction while advancing. For example, if the right indirect rein is applied in rear of the withers, the horse would move to the left front at an angle of about 45%.” From Elementary Dressage by Harry Disston In the western world, the indirect rein again requires that the horse’s head is turned in the direction of the rein about to be used, the incurvature of the neck is sometimes more extreme. In this case the horse is not moving forward but instead the rein is said to be used to either stop the horse or to get him to move his hindquarters over. Parelli “Inactive Indirect Rein Function The inactive indirect rein completely disengages the horse’s hindquarters and stops the horse’s movement. Hold one rein in your hand and keep your elbow straight. Place this hand on your thigh. This bends your horse’s neck, bringing the head toward your leg. Remain in this position until the horse relaxes. Active Indirect Rein Function An indirect rein moves the horse’s hindquarters. Run your hand down the rein. With your elbow bent, bring your hand to your midsection or bellybutton. The difference between this and the inactive indirect rein is the action in your seat and leg and hand positions.” So what exactly is the indirect rein of opposition and what exactly does it do to the horse’s body? And why, when it is used in one way does the horse turn, while when used in another the horse moves over sideways and in yet another it moves his haunches over? And what common errors do we see in riding when even a very slight angle of the rein can instantly turn it from a direct rein to an indirect rein, often with the rider no wiser and often confused by why the horse is doing what he is doing?!
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An Equestrian Legacy