Bearing rein

The Bearing rein also called a check rein or overcheck, is a type of rein attached to the bit on a bridle, that runs over the head of the horse, attaching to the harness saddle or pad. The primary purpose of a bearing rein is to prevent the horse from lowering its head. The secondary purpose is to raise the horse's head to a higher position for aesthetic reasons. A bearing rein is not held in the driver's hand and thus does not direct the horse to turn, slow down, or stop. It can be attached to the same bit as the reins used to control and direct the horse, or to a second, separate bit sometimes called a bradoon.