Do any of you find a difference with cotton reins or yacht reins? I’m trying to decide which I would like better. I know it’s personal preference mostly. But would like to know what you guys feel in the difference between the two. I have a heavier pair of yacht rope reins right now and thinking about going to something a bit lighter and thinner.
The cotton rope reins are quite a bit lighter and thinner, which is why I hate them. They feel weird to me. I think the heavy reins give a more obvious release, but people get excellent results in all sorts of set-ups…light reins, heavy reins, thick reins, thin reins.
Really, this is 100% personal preference.
I have small hands and prefer the thinner mohair braided reins, second the smaller braided cotton reins, then the thicker hackamore reins, although they don’t have as good a feel, we end up braiding our own out of smaller cotton rope.
I have never really liked any nylon reins, but then there also there are all kinds of braids from those ropes and I have only tried a few, there may be others that could feel better.
I have a pair of wonderful, neat horsehair reins, that I don’t like at all, feel stiff and takes gloves for me to use.
That is one kind I really didn’t like at all.
Leather reins also come in all kinds, you have to try what feels best for you and even that may change with what you are doing.
I expect it is what you get used to.
Have you tried soaking them in water and then letting them air dry?
I have a horse that still needs a GOOD release so I’ve been using my round heavier yacht reins so he can really feel that. I have a lighter pair of braided reins that I like the feel of for me. UGH!! They were so light on him, I stopped using them. But the bigger ones are a bit big for my hands.
I have a treeline mecate from double diamond that is thinner than yacht rope but thicker and heavier than the usual cotton reins. That might work for you.
braided paracord has the best feel to it in my opinion for everyday reins if you don’t like horsehair. Best to have them made for you, plus you can get a smaller diameter. I like the half inch size. There are commercial ones available, but I don’t think they have the feel of the ones I have ordered custom.
Check out Custom Mecates by Paula Lawrence on FB
or this link http://www.rickyquinnclinics.com/portfolio.html for ones made by Sarah Sandusky Quinn. Both of these ladies do awesome work!
Cotton reins absorb sweat, and water. They become heavy when wet, and take a long time to dry. They can develop quite an odor over time.
While I like paracord for some things, REAL paracord is rough on your hands. Most of the colored paracord out there labeled as 550 cord isn’t “real” paracord so you really have to be careful.
I prefer yacht rope reins or other similar rope reins to yacht rope which have a slightly smaller diameter.
I rode with my husband’s leather reins the other day, and I wanted to get back to my rope reins 
They fit better and laid better in my hands than the split reins (which I always used to use when riding.)
[QUOTE=WorkingDrive;7583908]
While I like paracord for some things, REAL paracord is rough on your hands. Most of the colored paracord out there labeled as 550 cord isn’t “real” paracord so you really have to be careful.
I prefer yacht rope reins or other similar rope reins to yacht rope which have a slightly smaller diameter.
I rode with my husband’s leather reins the other day, and I wanted to get back to my rope reins They fit better and laid better in my hands than the split reins (which I always used to use when riding.)[/QUOTE]
I agree about paracord being rough on your hands. I have some Buck Brannaman paracord mecate reins and they still will give me blisters. Gloves are a must. I do have some mohair and they are very nice, but are thinner. This is a great reminder to take them off an old bosal and put them on one of my using bridles.
I have several cotton trail reins and don’t care that much for them. They seem to stretch a bit, but are better than hollow braid. Those are really soft, but do stretch and pick up everything–grass, stickers, dirt.
I have a beautiful custom colored mane hair loop rein. I haven’t used them yet, they are so pretty and could be put on the wall instead. They aren’t very prickly, but since I haven’t used them can’t say if I like them.
I am a weighted split leather rein person. I had yacht reins, and once I tried a good pair of heavy weighted leather reins… there is no other choice for me. I do cow work though… so the split reins work for me. I have used the yacht reins on trails… they just are clumsy and don’t stay put in my opinion.
