What are the Different Types of Horse Reins For Sale?

We all know riding a horse requires specific equipment and tools for the rider and the horse’s comfort and feasibility. The main components of need will be a saddle, bridle, harness, and reins. Likewise, reins can be the utmost part of horse riding as it helps in communicating with the horse. If you are not so sure about its purchase, it’s better to opt for horse reins for sale.

What is Horse Reins?

Speaking in general terms, reins are a set of straps or ropes that are basically an integral part of horse tack. They are primarily available in the form of leather material and helpful in directing a horse during horse riding. Accordingly, horse reins are attached to the bridle through a bit or noseband. Likewise, it applies direct pressure on the horse’s face and helps to stay on the right track.

It is likely essential to use reins as it helps to communicate directly with the horse during horse riding. Accordingly, using reins will help you adjust the speed, directions, and it’s starting and ending points. In addition, you can also look for horse reins for sale if you are into equestrian sports or similar activities.

Read Also: Horse Bridle: Its Parts and Uses

How do Reins work in Horse Riding?

Now that we know the usage of reins in horseback riding let’s move on to how they work! Certainly, the way you hold your reins tells about the controlling part. Often, riders new to this game use too much force on reins during horse riding. However, that disturbs the way and causes pressure on the horse’s mouth and face.

The best way to use reins is by applying light pressure in order to communicate effectively. The English riding discipline certainly requires different reins than that of the Western style of riding. While English reins are joined in-between with a buckle, the Western ones are separate sets of reins. Though these are likely different, they almost work in the same manner.

Types of Reins and their Functioning

• Closed Reins: These reins are also known as loop reins and are enclosed with a single buckle at its end. Most probably, it’s valid for both English and Western riding styles.

• Double Reins: As the name suggests, there is a separate set of two reins – snaffle reins and curb reins. Likewise, riders choose double reins for a double bridle as they are pretty helpful in the polo game.
• Lead Reins: Now, in this set of reins, you’ll find the third set of reins that is usually a part of the hackamore. You may find such functioning available in North America.
• Long Reins: There are many other names for long reins, such as – driving lines or long lines. These reins are exceptionally long and help in controlling the cart where the rider sits.
• Split Reins: It’s usual to come across split reins that are commonly seen in the Western style of riding discipline. These reins are flat and smooth on the surface and are typically 6 to 8 feet long.
  The basic difference between split reins and others is that they do not attach to each other (as the name suggests). Likewise, the rider has to tie a knot before they begin their ride.
• Running Reins: These are usually of leather or nylon and get attached to the girth while allowing the horse to run with ease. Likewise, your reins will not fall from their place even when there is too much motion.

See More: What is a Horse Bridle?

Popular Category of English Reins

Most of us know that an English bridle comes with its own set of reins, as they should match in style and color. But are they relevant as per the rider’s requirement and their schedule of riding?

It’s a suggestion that English reins must not be chosen as per their style but if they fit the rider’s demand. Similarly, English reins come in different varieties and materials. The popular ones include –

• Plain Reins: As it’s obvious to suggest by the name, these reins are simple and plain in design. They have no sort of styling done on the smooth leather, such as hand stops or anything. More so, these reins are quite thin and flexible and give a close connection to the horse’s mouth.
• Laced Reins: Another set of reins that’s easy to predict, as the name suggests, “laced reins.” These are typically in use along with the hunter bridle and other traditional styles of the bridle. As the reins have patterns, it’s easy to grip them tightly during the horseback ride.
• Web Reins: The web reins are the most highly gripping reins that allow the rider to have full control over the horse’s movement. These reins are comprised of cotton webbing, and feature leather stops every few inches. Likewise, they are preferable for schooling, dressage, and other competitions.
• Rubber Reins: Leaving all of the reins aside, a set of rubber reins will provide the maximum amount of grip to the rider. These types of reins are most popularly in use, the jumper bridles and cross-country bridles. Likewise, these reins are suitable for all types of weather conditions.Now, after determining the type of English reins, you must match them as per your bridle style. Many times, people purchase their product online, and after it reaches their destination, it’s not of the same layout.

What should be the size of the reins?

There are certain sizes and measurements for using horse reins. Here are a few points that you may follow –

• Usually, a normal set of English reins will measure about 8 to 9 feet long. More so, you can customize them to be shorter or longer as per your riding requirement.
• If a child is using the reins for horse riding, it’s apparent that they should be shorter in length. Likewise, they may measure about 5 to 6 feet.
• It’s a must to choose somewhat loose reins so you can use them with relaxed hands.
• Generally, a Western rein may measure about 10 feet long. However, it can also be short as 7 to 8 feet, depending upon the rider’s height.

Bottom Line:

Those willing to buy saddles or bridles online must also look for horse reins, as it’s an integral part. You can also refer to our website if you are not sure about what you have to purchase. There is a huge collection of bridles, saddles, and so much other equipment for horse riding at affordable prices.

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https://horsesaddleshop.org/what-is-a-horse-bridle/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/difference-between-horse-bridle-and-halter/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-choose-the-right-saddle/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/best-ranch-saddle/