How to properly use equipment such as elastic bands, longeing systems, and rein rigsIn the equestrian world training aids can play useful and effective roles in correcting certain mistakes or issues under saddle, whether horse-, rider-, or training-based. Misuse of these tools, however, can make things worse and potentially even dangerous. | Photo: iStockI was 8, and I couldnt dive. I thought I understood the technique. But my stomach and face hit the water first every time, and Id come up for air frustratedand hurting. My dad finally said, You just need to know what it feels like. If you can recognize the feel, youll get it. He picked me up and aimed me headfirst into the water, my arms stretched out dutifully in front of me as Id had them for weeks. This time, those arms broke the water over my head, and I slid deep down into the water until my ears were heavy. It was an amazing and totally new sensation. I pushed up to the surface, energized with this discovery, and called out, I get it! I get it!From then on I dove correctlyand never again did a belly flop. All Id needed was a training aid to get me going, literally, in the right direction.This article isnt about swimming, of course. But the metaphor is relevant. In the equestrian world training aidssuch as elastic bands, Pessoa longeing systems, and various rein rigscan play useful and effective roles in correcting certain mistakes or issues under saddle, whether horse-, rider-, or training-based. Misuse of these tools, however, can make things worse and potentially even dangerous. Before you dive into using devices, consider two equine biomechanics researchers insight into these trendy pieces of equipment. By separating fact from fiction, youll know how to take advantage of their benefits and avoid inappropriate use. FACT: Good horse training doesnt require any devicesWhen good training and good riding coincide with a sound and well-balanced horse, theres no need for training aids, says Sue Dyson, MA, VetMB, PhD, DEO, former head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Animal Health Trust Centre for Equine Studies, in Newmarket, England. The aims of these aids are generally to encourage the correct use of the back and core abdominal muscles, and if the horse is being worked correctly under saddle, these areas should be getting sufficient activation, she says. The biomechanics of training aids are fairly straightforward: Get the horses head and neck down and the hindquarters engaged for better core muscle strength, balance, and straightness. If the horse goes with his head in the air, that reduces range of motion in the back, and the abdominal muscles wont be engaged like they should be, Dyson says.