The great outsider
Everyone talks about the outside rein, but what does it really mean, and why do you need to use it?
In this feature. . .
Learn why the outside rein matters
Our expert
Straighten up your horse Create a more consistent contact
Photos: Lucy Merrell
Shaun Mandy is a Grand Prix dressage rider and coach. He trains regularly with Sune Hansen and Carl Hester, and came to dressage from eventing. He rides Euphoria E, a 12-year-old KWPN by Uthopia, who’s owned by Shaun and Ben Ambrose, and competes at Grand Prix.
When your trainer first introduces you to the outside rein, there are often a handful of questions that follow. How much weight should I have in it? What should it feel like? How do I use it? For the answers, you first need to understand what the outside rein aid is for – balance, support and speed control.
Often, a rider may find it much easier to have a consistent outside rein in one direction, but it suddenly falls apart when changing the rein. So, how can you improve your contact through the outside rein?