Are These Bearing Reins Or Not?

Wow, what a mess. The only semi-legitimate use I can think of is also as a "daisy rein" I think they are called, to prevent a horse from snatching the reins out of the rider's hands.to graze. I think that big walking horse bit would take care of that problem if the rider paid just a teeny bit of attention, though.

What purpose does the rider say she is using them for? Maybe an "anti-bucking strap?" Maybe in an attempt (like the carriage horses) to keep the horse's head up and "looking pretty" while the curb cranks his nise in?

Inquiring minds want to know.

As others have said, these are check reins. Here's an old pic of bearing reins and their action: http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeyse...

Bearing reins and most check reins are not moveable; the horse has a certain amount of slack and that's it.

The rein on this horse is not tied in place but appears to be held in the riders hand so that it can be used only when necessary.

They're mostly used on horses that try to yank the reins out of the rider's hands by putting his head real low and yanking, or that try to graze while working, or that evade the bit by tucking their chins in to their chests.

Does that bit have a curb chain on it? I don't see one. A curb bit should always be used with a properly fitted chain. It's not there to cause pain, it's there to keep the bit in the correct position. Without it, when the reins are engaged the bit lifts in the horse's mouth, often hitting him in the palate. This makes him raise his head way us with his nose in the sky. People often think taking the chain off is a kindness, but in fact it is the opposite. Adding an overcheck like this would make the problem worse.

I don't care for the use of this kind of equipment, but it does have its uses and is not inhumane, as it is completely under the control of the rider, not fixed in position.

yes they are bearing reins and i believe that they shouldn't even be used on carriage horses i think they are cruel, but some people i know use them a lot looser just to keep the horse from putting their head to the ground to graze while being ridden (mainly on small kids ponies) they dont keep their heads up though, the horse can comfortably get its head to about its knees

Yes those are check reins- used for driving to keep the horse's head up.

Seems a bit contradictory, though. She's using the reins to keep the horses head up... but has that massive curb in his mouth that keeps his head down? (or at least encourages the horse to put his head down)

Conflicting aids.... more likely to aggravate a horse rather than fix any problems.

I've always heard them referred to as check reins, and like you , have only seen them used on carriage horses. They're used to keep the horses head in the desired position (up). It's hard to imagine that they would keep the horse from taking off. Maybe it would stop them from bucking, though. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

It would not be the head piece that looks wrong to me it is the length of the shanks on the bit and no apparant chin strap!! That must be one very cold jawed horse!