Split reins are by far the most versatile type of reins used in western riding, but they can be a bit challenging to master. The two separate reins can get tangled, dropped, or become uneven while riders struggle to properly manipulate them. Improper use can also disqualify you from your western show class.

Here, reining and ranch versatility trainer Bud Lyons shares an overview of how to use this equipment and gives tips on how to improve your dexterity.

The Benefits of Split Reins

Split reins are the standard in reining, with the occasional pair of romal reins (a set of reins connected to a single tail), Lyon says. You’ll see a mix of romal and split reins in ranch versatility events and reined cow horse, but split reins are the rein of choice for cutting and most western all-around events, such as horsemanship. When using a snaffle bit in western events, only split reins can be used.

“A lot of times, the type of equipment you use in reining and ranch versatility events is predicated by your background, as well as the region you come from and the type of horse you have,” Lyons says. “I think split reins have become the go-to in performance events because of their practicality.”

Most often, split reins are made from a strip of harness leather. They can be various lengths and widths and can be weighted on the ends. These options make this piece of tack highly customizable to suit your preferences. Lyon suggests trying out different sets of split reins to discover which ones fit you and your horse best.

Riding Two-Handed

In the show pen, you’re most likely to show one-handed, unless you’re riding a horse in a snaffle. Two hands on your reins with a shanked bit will often disqualify you in a class.

With a snaffle, and when practicing on a green horse as home, riders often use two hands.

“On a younger horse, we’re going to use a direct rein, pulling on one side to guide the nose and teach the horse to follow his nose for steering and guiding,” Lyon explains. “Later on in the training process, you also apply the neck rein on the opposite side of the neck to connect the two cues, which will enhance your ability to guide that horse, eventually, with one hand.”

To hold the reins two-handed, unless you’re an experienced rider, most often you’ll lay each rein across your horse’s neck, with one rein on top of the other. Reach down and grab the reins on either side of the horse’s neck with at least 12 to 24 inches of rein between them, palms down, then bring your hands up above the mane, thumbs facing up, palms facing each other. Your right rein will flow up through your right hand, across your palm and out to the left hand, then down on the left side of the horse—and vice versa (see photo above).

More experienced riders will sometimes keep both rein ends on one side, switching quickly from one-handed to two by picking up one rein with their other hand and holding both reins in the original hand (see photo below). Your hand position is the same as before, but the reins are not crossed over the neck.

“I have done that before, but it’s a bit of a drawback if you’re not comfortable using split reins; it’s easier to accidentally drop one of the reins, and in that scenario, one rein is more likely to fall to the ground than if they are crossed over the neck,” Lyon says. “That becomes not only a safety issue, but it can disqualify you in competition.”

Riding One-Handed

Guiding one-handed is the ultimate goal for riding a western horse, especially in competition, Lyon says. This involves only the neck rein cue to ask the horse to move away from its pressure—no more direct rein cues, as used while riding two-handed.

To hold the reins one-handed, you’ll typically use your non-dominant hand—so your left hand if you’re right-handed—with both tails of the reins on that side of the horse’s neck. With the reins pressed together, place your thumb on one side of the reins, your index finger in between the reins, and your middle, ring and pinky fingers curled around the other side of the reins, palm side down.

Depending on which class you’re in, you may rotate your hand until your thumb is pointing up and bend your elbow to match the standard riding position for that class. In reining and ranch riding, you’ll hold your reins with your palm down when your horse is on a loose rein.

To adjust your reins and tighten them, pinch with your thumb and index finger for one side, or middle finger and index finger for the other one, to walk down the reins toward the bit and take up the slack. To loosen the reins, you’ll loosen your grip and walk back on the reins with your fingers until they’re the length you want.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re unfamiliar with using split reins, there can be a bit of a learning curve.

“It’s certainly something that takes repetition in order to feel comfortable, until it gets to the point where it’s just muscle memory,” Lyon says.

He suggests hanging a bridle up on a chair in front of you and sitting with the reins in your hand, practicing tightening, loosening, and adjusting each rein as well as both together. You can do this at the barn or take your bridle home and practice while sitting on the couch. This removes the extra challenges of guiding a horse and allows you to build your muscle memory.

“I use the analogy of learning to use chopsticks,” Lyon says. “It can feel very awkward, uncomfortable, and unusual in the beginning. But the more you practice, the more comfortable, efficient, and effective you get.”

This article about how to use split reins appeared in the March 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Mastering Split Reins appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Split Reins

What they are: Although typically made from two strips of leather, split reins can also be made of braided cotton rope. Widths vary. Metcalf prefers a width of 3/4-inch for most riding and 5/8-inch with a snaffle bit.

Used for: The current trend sees split reins used in most western events, particularly western pleasure, horsemanship, reining and cutting.

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. This is the most versatile type of reins.

Cons: Adjusting your rein length in one hand can be more challenging than other types of reins. It’s also easy to drop one while riding, which is a safety hazard. And Metcalf says sometimes riders sneak extra cues in that can hamper good training in the long run.

“You need to be aware of your rein length, and practice so you’re using them correctly,” she says.

Selection tip: Look for good-quality leather, a substantial thickness and no stretch. Make sure the attachments to the bit are in good working order. Metcalf avoids snaps or Chicago screws in favor of leather ties for safety.

“I always check the leather every time I use a pair of reins,” she says. “I’ve had snaps come open or screws come unscrewed, and leather can wear out. I replace those leathers if there’s any sign of wear.”

Romal Reins

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. The romal usually has a strip of leather on the end, called a popper. Today they’re usually made out of rawhide.

Used for: Particularly on the West Coast, many bridled reined cow horses (versus one in a hackamore) are ridden in competition using a romal. Some riders use a romal in trail and other all-around events, but the romal is useful for a variety of disciplines. Metcalf says they’re also helpful for training a horse.

“When I start putting my 3-year-old horses in the bridle, I’ll ride them in split reins,” she says. “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.”

Pros: You’ll hold the reins in one hand and the tail in the other. When held correctly, it’s easier to keep your reins even and at the correct length versus split reins. They are helpful for keeping your horse upright and between your reins. Romal reins are also a great way to find out how trained your horse is to rein cues, says Metcalf.

“You can’t slip a finger or hand in the reins to steer with romal reins like you can with split reins,” she says.

Cons: Holding and using a romal incorrectly can get points deducted from your score in the show pen. Check your association’s rule book for specifics. They’re not to be used with a bit without a shank, like an O-ring snaffle.

Selection tip: Metcalf says a good rawhide set of romal reins is not cheap. Inexpensive reins may wear out quickly. Look for quality materials and workmanship.

Roping Reins

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. There is usually a snap on one end.

Used for: These western reins are used for roping and speed events, such as barrel racing.

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.

Cons: If your reins are too short, you’ll be limited on the maneuvers you can ask of your horse. They are considered illegal equipment in some classes, like western pleasure, so check your association rule book before using them.

Selection tip: Make sure that your reins are the right length for you, the snaps are in good working order and the rein material is good quality.

Mecate Reins

What they are: Mecate reins are typically used with a bosal, also known as a hackamore. Made of horse mane or tail hair, mohair, or nylon in several thickness options, mecate reins include one length of rope attached to the bosal to make a loop around the horse’s neck, with the remainder used as a lead rope that is tied around the saddle horn. The bosal and mecate are another derivative of Spanish vaquero training.

Used for: Horses are usually outfitted with a bosal and mecate during the early days of training; they can be shown in this tack as long as they’re under the designated age limit. Check your rule book for specifics. They’re suitable for most events except horsemanship and speed events. You’ll usually ride with a rein in each hand.

Pros: Metcalf says that a bosal can be a helpful tool in the course of training a horse, and the mecate reins are designed to facilitate that training. They can deliver subtle cues thanks to the rough texture and weight of the rein.

Cons: If your horse doesn’t know how to work in a bosal, or you’re inexperienced with this piece of equipment, you may not be able to properly cue and control your horse.

Selection tip: Metcalf prefers mane hair instead of tail hair, which tends to be too stiff, or mohair, which tends to be too smooth. She recommends looking for a quality bosal and mecate set over one that is inexpensive.

“Mane hair won’t tear your hands up,” Metcalf says. “I feel like my horses respect a mane hair hackamore rein more than mohair.”

This article on western reins originally appeared in the January 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Take the Reins: The Ins and Outs of 4 Common Types of Western Reins appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.