Elastic bungee reins have become a go-to training aid in many UK yards, especially for novice riders and young or green horses. When used thoughtfully, they can encourage a softer, rounder way of going without the rigidity of more severe gadgets – but like any aid, they’re only as useful as the rider’s understanding of how they work.
What are elastic bungee reins and how do they work?
Elastic bungee reins are a simple, stretchy cord that attaches to the bridle and saddle or girth to provide light, consistent pressure. The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins are a typical example: made from 6mm tubular elastic, they pass through the bit rings and then attach either to the saddle or between the horse’s front legs at the girth.
This setup means the bungee acts like a gentle reminder rather than a fixed frame. When the horse lifts its head too high or hollows through the back, the elastic comes into play and applies light pressure on the poll and mouth. As soon as the horse stretches forward and down into a more correct outline, the pressure softens again.
That elastic action is why these reins are often recommended for riders who are still developing steady hands. Instead of punishing every wobble of the contact, the stretch absorbs some inconsistency and keeps things softer for the horse.
If you’d like a deeper dive into how this particular model behaves in everyday schooling, you can read our full review of the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins.
When are elastic bungee reins a good choice?
Elastic bungee reins are not a magic fix, but they can be a very useful tool in certain situations. The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins are described as a brilliant training aid for beginner riders, and that’s broadly how they’re best used: as support, not as a shortcut.
Great for young or green horses
Young horses often experiment with their head and neck position as they learn to carry a rider’s weight. A well-adjusted bungee can encourage them to find a more balanced, rounded frame without forcing them into it. The give in the elastic allows the horse to seek the contact, rather than banging into a solid barrier.
Helpful for novice riders
For newer riders, developing an independent seat and quiet hand takes time. Because the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins apply light pressure on the poll only when needed, they can help prevent the horse from rushing around hollow when the rider’s hands aren’t quite perfect yet. That said, they must always be combined with good instruction so the rider doesn’t become reliant on them.
Useful for lungeing and basic schooling
Elastic bungee reins can work well for simple flatwork sessions and lungeing, where the goal is to encourage rhythm, relaxation and a consistent outline. They’re particularly handy when you want a quick, easy-to-fit aid that doesn’t require elaborate adjustment.
Key features of the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins
The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins are straightforward by design – and that’s part of their appeal. Their main features include:
- Elastic bungee action – the 6mm tubular elastic stretches under pressure, offering a gentler feel than rigid training aids.
- Fully adjustable – length can be altered to suit different horses and stages of training.
- Easy to fit – they pass through the bit rings and attach to either the saddle D-rings or the girth, making them quick to put on.
- Designed as a training aid for horses – intended to complement, not replace, correct schooling and professional guidance.
Because they are so simple to adjust and fit, they’re a popular choice for busy yards and for riders who want a fuss-free setup. For more insight into how they perform over time, including durability and comfort details, you can check out our in-depth Shires Elastic Bungee Reins review.
How to fit elastic bungee reins correctly
Correct fitting is vital for any training aid, and elastic bungees are no exception. Poor adjustment can turn a mild aid into something restrictive or confusing for the horse.
Step-by-step fitting guide
- Start with a correctly fitted bridle and snaffle bit. Make sure the basics are right before adding anything extra.
- Attach the bungee to the girth or saddle. Most riders run the Shires bungee between the horse’s front legs and attach it to the girth, but you can also clip to the saddle D-rings for a slightly different action.
- Thread through the bit rings. Pass each side of the elastic up through the bit rings from the outside.
- Adjust the length. Standing the horse square on level ground, shorten or lengthen the bungee so that it only comes into contact when the horse lifts its head out of a comfortable working outline.
- Check in walk and trot. Get on and ride in a relaxed walk and trot, paying attention to the horse’s reaction. The horse should be able to stretch forward and down freely.
Common fitting mistakes to avoid
- Too tight, too soon – over-shortening the bungee fixes the head in place and can create tension, resistance or even rearing in sensitive horses.
- Masking discomfort – using bungees to hide problems like back pain, poorly fitting saddles or dental issues is never appropriate.
- Skipping warm-up – horses still need time to stretch and loosen up without pressure at the start of a session.
Elastic bungee reins vs other training aids
Because they are elastic and relatively forgiving, bungee reins sit on the milder end of the training-aid spectrum. They’re often compared to side reins, draw reins and more complex gadgets, but they serve a slightly different purpose.
Traditional side reins provide a fixed length between bit and girth, which can suit some horses but demands very careful adjustment. Draw reins act directly through the rider’s hands, magnifying any pulling or see-sawing. In contrast, products like the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins and the similar Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord prioritise elasticity and simplicity, making them appealing for everyday schooling.
If you’re curious how another brand approaches the same idea, it’s worth reading our full review of the Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord for a direct comparison.
Shires Elastic Bungee Reins vs Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord
Both the Shires and Horseware options fulfil the same basic role: they’re elasticated training aids designed to support a more consistent outline. The differences come down to brand preferences, subtle design details and budget.
Design and adjustability
The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins use 6mm tubular elastic and are fully adjustable, with a simple pass-through-bit-and-clip-on attachment system. The Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord follows a similar principle, but the feel of the elastic, the fittings and the range of adjustment can vary between brands.
Riders who like a very soft, springy feel may favour one over the other depending on how the elastic responds in use. Some horses are noticeably happier in a slightly firmer or slightly looser elastic, so it’s worth paying attention to your horse’s way of going when you experiment.
Price and value
The Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord sits at around the lower end of the price range, which makes it attractive if you want to try this style of aid without spending a lot. Shires sits in a similar, accessible price bracket, with the focus on practical everyday use rather than premium luxury finishes.
Because both options are simple pieces of tack, the main markers of value are durability, quality of elastic and hardware, and how well they stand up to regular use. For more detail, you can compare the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins review with our Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord review.
Using elastic bungee reins safely and ethically
Whatever brand you choose, safety and welfare should guide how you use bungee reins. They are intended to support correct training, not replace it.
Always pair with good coaching
The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins are specifically recommended as working best alongside a training programme with expert assistance. That’s a crucial point. An instructor who knows you and your horse can advise on whether bungees are appropriate, how tight they should be, and when it’s time to wean off them.
Introduce them gradually
Start with short sessions in walk and trot, keeping the adjustment generous and allowing the horse plenty of opportunities to stretch. Watch for signs of tension such as tail swishing, teeth grinding, head tossing or hurrying, and back off if needed. Many horses adapt well, but some tell you clearly that a particular gadget is not for them.
Use as a training tool, not a crutch
It can be tempting to keep reaching for bungee reins every schooling session, especially if they seem to give a neater outline. In the long term, though, the goal is for the horse to carry itself correctly from behind without relying on extra equipment. Think of elastic bungees as stabilisers on a bicycle: useful for a phase, but not meant to stay on forever.
Caring for your elastic bungee reins
With minimal care, elastic bungee reins should last through plenty of schooling sessions and miserable winter hacks.
Day-to-day maintenance
- Wipe down after use – sweat and arena surface can degrade elastic over time, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth helps.
- Dry naturally – avoid hanging them over radiators or leaving them in hot cars, which can cause the elastic to perish.
- Check hardware – regularly inspect clips and fittings for signs of rust, bending or weakness.
When to replace your bungee
Over time, even the best elastic will lose some of its spring. If your Shires or Horseware bungee starts to feel lifeless, frayed or overly stretched, it’s time to replace it. Riding with compromised elastic can lead to sudden breakages or inconsistent pressure, both of which are best avoided.
Is an elastic bungee rein right for you and your horse?
Choosing whether to add an elastic bungee rein to your tack room comes down to your schooling goals, your horse’s temperament and your access to good instruction. The Shires Elastic Bungee Reins offer a straightforward, adjustable and relatively gentle option that suits many everyday riders, while alternatives like the Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord give you another elasticated style to consider at a similar price point.
If you’re weighing up which will suit you best, take a few minutes to explore the hands-on experiences in our dedicated reviews – starting with the Shires Elastic Bungee Reins review and the Horseware Elasticated Bungee Cord review. They’ll help you decide which training aid fits your horse, your budget and your long-term schooling plan.