Draw reins for horses: should you use them?

and it was not possible for him to work in the frame the owner was seeking. My solution? I took the draw reins off and showed them how to focus on helping the horse to relax in the jaw and at the poll. I used a simple walking on a circle exercise as well as leg yielding with regular breaks and the horse learned to relax into the posture that worked best for him. He soon chose to stretch over his back and as his balance improved so did his confidence and relaxation. I know this way of going was not going to be achieved with draw reins.
Draw reins for horses more control
A decade later having ridden many more horses I got the ride on a lovely former event horse who knew way more than I did. He was the ideal schoolmaster but after a spell of box rest it was time to bring him back into work with no turnout or lunging allowed. Well suddenly I was an apprehensive rider tasked with getting on a firebreathing dragon who was on full alert. I didnt dare breathe let alone put my leg on. He was locking onto anything that moved and I was at a loss as to what to do.
My coach suggested that it would be safer to ride in running reins and I reluctantly agreed. Now I think the horse knew exactly what those draw reins were asking he snorted in disgust before seeking the contact and lowering his head. He felt more like my horse in that moment and I prayed as I applied my leg. Nothing untoward happened! He simply stretched his neck forwards the wrinkles of tension at the base of his neck disappeared and I released the touch of the draw rein.