Semi regular Weekly Post - Gadgets

I'd love to get back in the Weekly post groove. Lets see how long we can keep this up, shall we?

#4 (or something) Gadgets
DISCLAIMER: I am not a trainer. These are things that I've learned from lessons, books that I've read and personal experience.

Im a classical dressage purist. I think Alois Podhajsky http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alois_Podhajsky is the classical dressage master and his book The Complete Training of Horse and Rider is a book that every dressage student should read. Its not an easy read, but its fantastic.
Because of this, my stance on gadgets like martingales, draw reins, and until very recently, side reins, have no place in classical dressage. Dont get me wrong, I used to use them all the time. Sometimes Id lunge a horse in side reins, and then ride it with a martingale... [via Dressage Mom]