A check rein is a rein or strap used to limit or control the position of a horse’s head and neck, preventing it from being lowered beyond a set point. Check reins have been used in harness driving for centuries, though versions exist for ridden work as well. Their use is a subject of ongoing debate within the equestrian community, with welfare concerns balanced against their practical applications in specific disciplines.
Types of Check Rein
There are two main configurations:
- The overcheck (or bearing rein): Runs from the bit, up between the ears, and attaches to the pad on the harness or the surcingle. It holds the head in an elevated position and is commonly associated with American Saddlebred showing and high-stepping carriage horses. This is the type depicted in Victorian-era depictions of driving horses, and the one most frequently criticised for causing discomfort when used restrictively.
- The side check: Runs from the bit, alongside the neck, and attaches to a collar or pad ring at the shoulder. It allows some up-and-down movement but limits excessive lowering of the head. Considered less restrictive than the overcheck and more commonly used in working harness contexts.
In ridden contexts, a check rein most commonly refers to a running martingale or standing martingale-type device, though strictly speaking these are separate pieces of equipment with their own specific terminology. A true check rein in ridden work is relatively rare outside of certain American Western show classes.
Historical Context
Check reins were ubiquitous in 19th-century carriage driving. The bearing rein, in particular, became a symbol of fashionable equipage — a high-headed horse was considered elegant and spirited. Anna Sewell’s novel Black Beauty (1877) brought public attention to the suffering caused by severe bearing reins, contributing to a gradual shift in attitudes. By the early 20th century, tighter bearing reins had largely fallen out of favour in working and pleasure driving, though they persist in the show ring for certain classes.
Modern harness racing uses a check rein — typically a side check — to encourage the horse to maintain an extended head and neck position that facilitates the trotting or pacing gait. Without it, some horses drop their heads and lose the mechanical efficiency of their stride. In this context, the check rein is adjusted to allow a natural range of movement and is not tightly restrictive.
Welfare Considerations
The British Horse Society (BHS) and various equine welfare bodies have published guidance on check rein use, noting that severe restriction of head position is linked to back tension, gait irregularity, and stress behaviours. The key distinction is between a check rein that prevents extreme lowering — useful for keeping a horse from tripping on its own reins during driving — versus one that forces an unnatural elevation that compresses the neck muscles and restricts breathing.
Any check rein should be adjusted so the horse can adopt a working head position comfortably, with restriction only at the extremes of movement. Horses showing signs of resistance, sweating excessively, or grinding teeth while in a check rein should be assessed by a vet or equine physiotherapist. For related equipment used to influence head carriage in ridden work, see the entries on martingale and curb strap.
Check Reins in Harness Racing
In Standardbred harness racing, the check rein — sometimes called a “check” — is a standard piece of equipment. Regulations govern its adjustment, and race stewards can require a driver to alter the setting if a horse appears to be in discomfort. The check helps maintain gait purity: a trotter that gets its head down may break into a canter, which incurs penalties, so a properly adjusted check assists both performance and compliance with racing rules.
Outside racing, pleasure drivers and combined driving competitors generally prefer minimal or no check rein use, allowing horses to work in a more natural frame. The FEI rules for combined driving competition do not prohibit check reins but emphasise that the horse must work in a way that demonstrates suppleness and acceptance of contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a check rein the same as a bearing rein?
A bearing rein is one type of check rein — specifically, an overcheck that runs up between the ears and is used to elevate the head. “Check rein” is the broader term covering any strap that limits head movement. Not all check reins are bearing reins; side checks, for example, are check reins that work differently and are generally considered less severe.
Are check reins legal in FEI competition?
FEI rules vary by discipline. In driving competitions, check reins are permitted but must not cause apparent distress. In ridden disciplines governed by FEI, check reins in the traditional sense are not used; equipment that affects head carriage (martingales, draw reins) is either prohibited or restricted depending on the discipline and phase of competition.
When should I use a check rein for driving?
A light side check is appropriate for horses that habitually lower their heads to the point where the reins catch on their legs — a safety issue in driving. For general pleasure driving and combined driving, most trainers recommend working without a check rein until a specific problem warrants its use, and then fitting it loosely. Always introduce a check rein gradually and monitor the horse’s response carefully over the first few sessions.