Competition rules for Elasto reins


	COMPETITION RULES for 2001 Re: Rein-Aid® and Elasto-Rein® use in competition. Rein-Aid® Productions received a letter from the USA Equestrian Dressage Committee dated February 21, 2001. This letter states….. "The USA Equestrian Dressage Committee has been carefully reviewing the Dressage Rules, giving particular attention to Article 1921.6 which states, in part, as follows: Martingales, bit guards, any kind of gadgets (such as bearing, side, running, balancing reins, tongue tied down, etc ),… are, under penalty of elimination, strictly forbidden….A side rein is defined as an auxiliary rein affixed to the bit and to the girth, saddle or surcingle on the side of the horse (not between the legs)…. After lengthy deliberations, the Committee will no longer advise the Technical Delegates at USA Equestrian-recognized competitions that the use of the original "Rein-Aid®" product or similar items does not violate Article 1921.6. Pursuant to the requirements of Article 1921.6, the USA Equestrian Dressage Committee considers none of these items to be permitted in USA Equestrian -recognized competitions. Accordingly, the USA Equestrian Dressage Committee will be advising the USA Equestrian Technical Delegates of its position that these items may not be used after May 1, 2001, at USA Equestrian competitions. The Committee does not believe that the "Elasto-Rein®" violates Article 1921.6, as it is a continuous rein from the bridle and is not considered to be a "gadget". It is the Committee's opinion, therefore, that the use of the "Elasto-Rein®" product will not be grounds to eliminate a rider in the USA Equestrian-recognized competitions under Article 1921.6." The Elasto-Rein® is permitted for the cross country and stadium phases of Eventing. At this time it is not permitted for the dressage phase of Eventing. The Rein-Aid® insert is not permitted for any phase of Eventing. The current opinion of the USA Equestrian in relation to the Hunter ring is that the Elasto-Rein® is just a rein and it's use is not grounds for penalty. The Rein-Aid® insert will cause a competitor to be penalized and should be used for schooling only. All questions should be directed to : USA Equestrian (859 258 2472) or to Rein-Aid® Productions (800 773 4885).


	Rein-Aid® in Training… All riders, no matter what discipline they ride, seek harmony with their horse (this is where riding seems really easy). This requires a balanced seat, the ability to follow the motion of the horse, tact, and independence of the aids. Any stiffness in the rider will result in a lack of harmony. Stiffness in the riders arms and hands will cause the horse to become tense, hollow, rigid or downright disobedient. This situation is common and an elastic contact allows the horse to relax and trust the bit. Rein-Aid® helps the horse 'forgive' mistakes made by the less than perfect rider. Not only is this better for the horse, but it keeps him willing and easier to ride. Because the horse is rounder and softer with an elastic contact, the rider can focus on 'feel', position, timing, etc. As the skill level grows, so does the horse's trust in the rider and the wonderful feeling of harmony can be achieved. Professionals are reaching for the Rein-Aid® to reschool their sensitive horses that are 'afraid' of the rider's hand. For these horses, obtaining a contact is very difficult, they simply are not willing to 'hold hands with the rider'. The slight give in the rein alleviates their fear of being trapped. Also extensively used for horses that are stiff or locked in the jaw, Rein-Aid® encourages the horse to chew gently on the bit (creating that saliva we love to see) and soften through their topline. All this is achieved in a compassionate, safe manner without the need for training aids that artificially force the head down.


	Purchase Rein-Aid® or Elasto-Rein®

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