In the equestrian world training aids can play useful and effective roles in correcting certain mistakes or issues under saddle, whether horse-, rider-, or training-based. Misuse of these tools, however, can make things worse and potentially even dangerous. | Photo: iStock

How to properly use equipment such as elastic bands, longeing systems, and rein rigs

I was 8, and I couldn’t dive. I thought I understood the technique. But my stomach and face hit the water first every time, and I’d come up for air ­frustrated—and hurting.

My dad finally said, “You just need to know what it feels like. If you can recognize the feel, you’ll get it.”

He picked me up and aimed me headfirst into the water, my arms stretched out dutifully in front of me as I’d had them for weeks. This time, those arms broke the water over my head, and I slid deep down into the water until my ears were heavy. It was an amazing and totally new sensation. I pushed up to the surface, energized with this discovery, and called out, “I get it! I get