What is "overcheck"

n. 1 A check pattern that is superimposed upon another pattern 2 A strap that stretches from the pollstrap of the bridle to the saddle

A bearing rein, known today as an overcheck or a checkrein, is a piece of horse tack that runs from a point on the horse's back, over the head, to a bit. It is used to prevent the horse from lowering its head beyond a fixed point. A variation called a side check passes beside the ears through loops at the top of the bridle cheekpieces.

It can be attached to the surcingle of a horse harness, or to the harness saddle.

An overcheck or bearing rein shares some function with side reins, draw reins, and the de Gogue, and has the opposite function to a chambon and martingale. It can be attached to the same bit as the reins, or to a second, separate bit.