Mecate Reins

[mrs.smith]

I was given a bridle (some assembly required, alas), that has a mecate for reins. The mecate itself is made out of yacht cord and I believe about 22’ long. Since I’m not an actual buckaroo, I’m wondering if I would use the lead rope portion enough to keep it on the bridle. As I am very new to this style of riding, I see my uncoordinated self getting tangled up in the extra rope and doing real damage to myself while my horse looks on and laughs at me. On the other hand, I can see where it could be a very useful tool, especially on a green horse.

If any of you use a mecate, would you mind sharing with me how useful it is, or would I be better off trimming it down to rope rein length?

[aktill]

It’s MUCH safer to get on and off a horse using the get down portion of the rope. For that reason alone, it’s worth keeping. If you don’t like leading it through a belt loop, you can learn how to tie the loose end to a saddle string.

[mrs.smith]

Is there an online tutorial on how to tie these things? What I have is in pieces, ie, I have a rope, slobber straps, and a leather curb strap, along with a standard brow band head stall with a snaffle bit.

[aktill]

Many. Example: http://functionalhorsemanship.blogspot.ca/2012/01/mecate-with-snaffle-bit.html

[skydy]

Long time ago, but I am surprised that your macate is made out of “yacht cord”. :eek:

[aktill]

Though not traditional, it’s pretty common nowadays because it’s about a fifth the price of a good hair rope.

[mrs.smith]

The reason the bridle was given to me was because it was made of yacht cord. I figured it would be a nice “starter set”, and once I learn how to use it properly without hog tying myself, I can move up to the more expensive hair rope. Right now, I have a lot to learn and am trying to educate myself as much as possible.

Thank you for the tutorial. Much appreciated!

[aktill]

Synthetics are actually probably better to use with slobber straps, since those put a heck of a kink in a hair rope.

The rule with hair ropes and bosals is to untie each time to avoid damaging both the rope and bosal, but it’s almost impossible to do that with slobber straps.

[harnessphoto]

I absolutely love having a mecate for trail training, especially when it comes to first water crossings with green horses. I use a modified mecate rather than a traditional one. I coil the end, loop it over my saddle horn, and tie it down with the saddle string.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

[QUOTE=aktill;7317522]
It’s MUCH safer to get on and off a horse using the get down portion of the rope. For that reason alone, it’s worth keeping. If you don’t like leading it through a belt loop, you can learn how to tie the loose end to a saddle string.[/QUOTE]

Can you elaborate for the clueless in the class, please? How does the mecate make it safer?

I bought myself one of these after going to a Buck clinic. But I haven’t used it yet! Like mrs. smith, I have visions of macrameing myself into it like a hanging plant! :lol: But I’m going to start practicing with it this winter at home.

[Beverley]

I guess it’s what you are used to. I grew up in Texas where split reins were the norm. I do have a mecate on one bosal, but I can’t say I consider it safer than just getting down with left rein in hand. The other bosal has split cotton reins and all of my western bits have split reins. Have never used slobber straps either, again, probably just a function of what I grew up with but have never seen the need.

Yacht rope is great stuff for reins, leads, and high lines.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=Beverley;7325465]
I guess it’s what you are used to. I grew up in Texas where split reins were the norm. I do have a mecate on one bosal, but I can’t say I consider it safer than just getting down with left rein in hand. The other bosal has split cotton reins and all of my western bits have split reins. Have never used slobber straps either, again, probably just a function of what I grew up with but have never seen the need.

Yacht rope is great stuff for reins, leads, and high lines.[/QUOTE]

I agree, why complicate things, when split reins will do the same with much less to get hung up with?

Unless you are just trying to look the part, dressed in traditional buckaroo appointments.

[gaitedincali]

I used split reins for years, finally switched to a mecate set up on one bridle and am now slowly getting to the point where every snaffle bridle has mecate reins. The feel is different. I don’t know about them being safer, but I do find them more useful.

[mrs.smith]

[QUOTE=Bluey;7325807]
I agree, why complicate things, when split reins will do the same with much less to get hung up with?

Unless you are just trying to look the part, dressed in traditional buckaroo appointments.[/QUOTE]

I gave it some thought, and as I am an avid trail rider, I can see where I would use the lead rope portion enough to justify it. My horse is already trained with the groundwork Buck teaches, and I use the leading by exercise exclusively to line up to something I can mount from. Plus it’s nice to be able to keep the horse 12’ feet away for those impromptu bathroom breaks :winkgrin: