Pros: Metcalf says roping reins are easy to manage for a beginner or a rider using one hand-like a roper-or if the rider needs to grab the saddle horn with the other hand.Ĭons: If your reins are too short, you’ll be limited on the maneuvers you can ask of your horse. Used for: These western reins are used for roping and speed events, such as barrel racing. What they are: Roping reins are attached to the bit in a loop around the horse’s neck and are made from a single length of leather, braided nylon or cotton. Roping Reins Roping reins are a short loop that is easier to ride with for speed work, including barrel racing. Look for quality materials and workmanship.
Selection tip: Metcalf says a good rawhide set of romal reins is not cheap. They’re not to be used with a bit without a shank, like an O-ring snaffle. Check your association’s rule book for specifics. “You can’t slip a finger or hand in the reins to steer with romal reins like you can with split reins,” she says.Ĭons: Holding and using a romal incorrectly can get points deducted from your score in the show pen. Romal reins are also a great way to find out how trained your horse is to rein cues, says Metcalf. They are helpful for keeping your horse upright and between your reins. When held correctly, it’s easier to keep your reins even and at the correct length versus split reins.
Pros: You’ll hold the reins in one hand and the tail in the other. “But when I go to one hand, 98 percent of the time within a few weeks I’m using romal reins to polish up the steering.” “When I start putting my 3-year-old horses in the bridle, I’ll ride them in split reins,” she says. Metcalf says they’re also helpful for training a horse. Some riders use a romal in trail and other all-around events, but the romal is useful for a variety of disciplines. Used for: Particularly on the West Coast, many bridled reined cow horses (versus one in a hackamore) are ridden in competition using a romal. Today they’re usually made out of rawhide. The romal usually has a strip of leather on the end, called a popper. What they are: Derived from the traditional Spanish vaquero methods, romal reins are comprised of two parts: the reins and the romal, which is one piece connected to the reins. I replace those leathers if there’s any sign of wear.” Romal Reins Roping reins are a short loop that is easier to ride with for speed work, including barrel racing. “I’ve had snaps come open or screws come unscrewed, and leather can wear out. “I always check the leather every time I use a pair of reins,” she says. Metcalf avoids snaps or Chicago screws in favor of leather ties for safety. Make sure the attachments to the bit are in good working order. Selection tip: Look for good-quality leather, a substantial thickness and no stretch. “You need to be aware of your rein length, and practice so you’re using them correctly,” she says. And Metcalf says sometimes riders sneak extra cues in that can hamper good training in the long run. It’s also easy to drop one while riding, which is a safety hazard. This is the most versatile type of reins.Ĭons: Adjusting your rein length in one hand can be more challenging than other types of reins. Pros: Split reins allow you to make tiny adjustments to one rein or the other, direct your horse with one rein, apply a neck rein and/or a number of other cues using one or both hands with the option to hold the reins in several different positions.
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