Strange English reins, how do they work?

[Hound]

I was given these as part of a tack clear-out by a friend of a friend. In all my time riding English i've never seen anything like them though. What are they for/how do they work? I've tried searching all of the tack stores for something similiar, to no avail.

 

[Hound]

I wonder if they are supposed to go over the poll and put pressure on both the poll and mouth?

 

[babyblue]

Quote:
correct, but not a style I have seen before.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Technically you *should* only use them for lunging, although I did know people who rode in chambons, side reins, those bitting rig systems are other "lunge only" equipment. No accidents but the dressage instructor at that stable always cringed whenever she saw boarders riding in those.
Edited for spelling

 

[Hound]

I understand that riding in side reins, chambons etc is dangerous, but I can't see how this particular piece of equipment would be dangerous if introduced to a horse on the ground first. I doubt i'll use it, but i'd certainly ride a horse in this thing before I ride one in a tie down! Does it have a name?