lunging , what bit and side reins

Question
QUESTION: help, I am lunging my daughters horse as she has lost interest and He has not been ridden in a while. I use to ride western pleasure but I do not think this  9year old 17 h TB would like my heavy western saddle and lets just say I have grown over the years. Soooo I am thinking I would like to try dressage. I am lunging him to get his energy out over the next week before I mount up. I was told to use side reins. Will this help him or hurt him? he was last in a half moon bit. he is on his forehand.  I plan to find a trainer but need help in the mean time.
Thanks for you time and hope to hear from you soon

ANSWER: Dear Maggie,
Side reins are a good idea but ONLY if you really know what you are doing. If you haven't used them before- I DO NOT suggest you start without being given some hands-on instruction from someone who is well versed in their use. Has the horse been lunged in side reins? If not- this is an even BIGGER reason to steer clear until you can get some assistance.
Given this horse's size, the fact that he has not been ridden in a while and neither have you- you might want to work on getting him used to your western saddle (just take off the back cinch if it has one). While I doubt it will be a good fit- you wouldn't need to ride in it for very long and a gel pad will keep him from getting sore if you keep your rides short.
Lots of lunging until he blows (snorting while being lunged along with a lower head carriage is a sign of submission)- don't think that he has to be sweaty- the snort and the lower head is more important.
Ride in a contained area to begin and of course, wear a helmet.
You already know that what you really need is a trainer to help you out- but at least for your first few rides- this is the path I would take.
Best of luck with your new dressage partner.
S. Evans

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sorry to bother you again but wanted to let you know he has been lunged in the past with side reins. Like I said he is in a half moon D bit as that is what he was last in. I do not think he should be in that when side reins are used...... is there a certain bit to use with side reins??
I plan on just doing a lot of walking and then trotting (us)so we can get use to each other and while doing his, circles and bending etc.
Thanks again Maggie


Answer
Dear Maggie,
No bother at all. I like to use a fairly small diameter loose ring plain snaffle. Make sure that you begin with your side reins with almost NO contact then adjust so you have outside rein contact and VERY slight inside bend. The OUTSIDE rein is very important so you keep the quatrers on the correct arc of the circle. Too much inside rein and you will simple lose the quarters to the outside.I also like to use the side reins that have the rubber ring as they offer some give.
Best wishes.
S. Evans