My instructor has advised me to think about putting gogue reins on Buzz once or twice a week (flatwork only).
I have never used gogue or draw reins and have been doing a bit of looking up on Google.
My instinct would be to go with the draw reins as they look kinder to the horse as well as easier to attach...

I am also worried about using training aids on a young horse, so would appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

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"Friday's child is loving and giving"

Hi Buzzy,
All your posting here indicates to me that you always want the very best for your horses and for me the use of these gadgets for your training is not a good way forward. The use of a rein to bring the horse into a 'rounder' outline and allegedly work better over his back is not something I condone but it is a method regularly used by showjumpers (and to a degree dressage riders). As a classical trainer I look for the movements and gymnastic training to improve the way a horse goes and this takes time and patience but no gadgets. I'm off to find my body protector and wait for the pro-gadgetters to shoot me down. Yours Trudi

Trudi,
I am glad that you posted your reply so bravely!!!
I have to say that when my instructor suggested this I heard alarm bells in my head.... Buzz is an easy (but not novice) ride and for me it is not of a big concern that as a four year old his head is not naturally "in place" all the time.
I have started working on this using my hands on the reins and he is responding reasonably well.
As always though, when he's had enough he tries to buck me off!!! Luckily only in a lighthearted way!!!

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"Friday's child is loving and giving"

I'm with Trudi on this one. Not a big fan of draw reins although I have ridden in them.

If you concentrate more on making sure Buzz is really working his back end and also making sure you have him in both your hands, then it will come. But not overnight.

If your gut feeling is to say no to your instructor, then don't be afraid. They are your horses and you should stick to your beliefs in their training.

Good luck.

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Mummy's little monkey

I couldnt have put it any better myself trudi!! ive always had the thinking that, if a horse is so reluctant to go on an outline that you have to use schooling aids then there must be some sort of underlying problem surely????? ie back, teeth etc.
I think its always much more beneficial to lunge for 5-10 mins on each rein then jump on for a bit rather than using schooling aids. draw reins are better imho as you can use them to 'guide' and can only use them when you need to...does that make sense?? im sure anybody who has used them correctly will know what i mean. they dont force the head down basically and you can use them like a double bridle.

i think ive actually confused myself now!!!! i know what im trying to say but cant put it into words!!

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using those kind of training aids on a young horse is not really advisable..
and as you said, he is responding well to what you are doing now so I would wait a while and try to work it out without extra reins.

true, a gogue rein 'forces' the horse to put their head in "position" much more then a draw rein.

the way that mel_k2005 discribes above is exactly how I used them. I don't use it anymore as I have a different bit.

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"Denial is not just a river in Egypt. It's a freakin' ocean."

I agree Mel - the dentist is coming out to my horses next week in fact.
Thanks Ellie! I will continue to be patient. Buzz is young so he has plenty of time to learn!

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"Friday's child is loving and giving"

Aha me too buzzy! i have the osteopath comin on sat and then the dentist....i swear my horse is better looked after than i will ever be! osteopath..??!! whats that??!! oh yeah they only do horses dont they??!! lol!!

thanx chantal im glad you understood what i was trying to say!!

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With everyone else on this......no gadgets at the moment, and hopefully not ever. I am being a bit hypocritical as I would still use draw reins to stop a horse putting it's head very high (not to pull them into a round outline), mostly on difficult horses to prevent rearing, or on a bolter, but your guy is in neither of these scenarios, thankfully!!
I would ask your trainer what he's looking for, and why he thinks you need a De Gogue. Then you can maybe find a better way forward.
J

I agree with all of the above postings. I do admit to using both very occassionally, but never tight.

If a horse is sticking it's nose or head up. He has not got the confidence or balance in himself yet. Or he's a trotter and had a check strap on and has been taught to go along with his head up!

If YOU are not happy to use it on your horse then don't.

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Horseybird; unpaid Horseball groom in Normandie.