Hello,
I don’t ride Western much but do have a few classes that are Western in my TWH shows. I am looking for Western reins that are NOT SPLIT, as I prefer a single loop rein, but can’t seem to find any. Suggestions of what to look for? Thanks.
Look for roping reins.
Make sure they are legal! I don’t think roping reins are legal for many western show events. You could also try Romel reins.
[QUOTE=Showbizz;8531324]
Make sure they are legal! I don’t think roping reins are legal for many western show events. You could also try Romel reins.[/QUOTE]
What Showbizz said. Roping Reins are not legal in most western performance classes (pleasure, reining, etc.).
Showing western usually requires split reins or romal reins. I agree you’ll need to check with the show management of the show you plan to attend.
For the rest of your riding, there’s plenty of “roping reins” out there if you are seeking a single loop. You could also tie a knot in your split reins. Or… many split reins can be long enough to turn into a roping rein. Simply add a clasp or buckle to the other end to attach it to your bit.
Thank you all!! For walking horse shows we show under WHOA or NWHA rules. Closed reins are accepted. I’d like to find a decent pair, not very thick without Chicago screws if possible. If you find any, point me in the direction!
I think romel reins would make a nicer picture than roping reins. I feel like they are more common on the light breed circuits too.
Contact Dennis Moreland at DM Tack. He is not inexpensive, but his tack is high quality and he can probably make you exactly what you want. He is also very easy to deal with. I highly recommend him!
I’ve checked out some roping reins and those seem like what I am looking for. Why is one end a snap and not the other though? Like these:
http://www.statelinetack.com/item/weaver-texas-star-roper-rein/WDW13/
The snap goes on the off side so you can unclip from the bit and lead with the reins.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/rockin-sp-10-laced-trail-reins-12731
You could take off the clips if you wanted.
So what do your rules say about Western Reins in the Classes you plan to ride in? Unless they specifically say any reins or closed reins, the Roping reins are not going to be legal, not what the Cowboys used in the Old Days.
Have you looked at the Romel Reins? They are a one loop rein, goes from one side of the bit, around the neck to the other side of the bit. You can take the Romel off it you like, for daily riding, but you need it on for showing. Romel Reins probably have more length to them than Roping Reins, so you are not leaning forward, reaching for the reins all the time or stretched out, to keep hold on the rein loop handle.
As a rider in a Western class, the Romel Rein will let you sit more balanced, not leading with a shoulder on the rein hand side. Other hand holds the Romel part at your side, on you leg or coiled if very long, so you are keeping shoulders even. Having both hands busy with a job, makes you more even in the saddle, like English riders with both hands on the reins all the time, shoulders even, hips even.
As a Western Rider myself, I only ride one-handed in the show ring, pay attention to keeping myself even from shoulders on downward. Really easy to get crooked using one hand on the reins. I two-hand my horses with their reins all the rest of the time, which keeps me even without paying attention to it. Horses “get it” and do as needed to be successful in the ring, neck rein, pivot, halt, sidepass, stride off into a canter, with one hand or two on their reins.
