Bridle Straps

Horses are powerful and gorgeous animals. And it is needless to say that horse riding is one of the best past times of many. There are people like farmers and ranch hands who ride horses for work, some ride them for shows and competitions, while some people do it for sheer pleasure. However, no matter the type of rider you are, you certainly cannot overstate the importance of buying the right horse reins .

It is given that you know what the reins are if you are an ardent horse rider. But, many novice riders are oblivious to what precisely these reins are. Well, to know them better, you need to first understand the bridle. A horse rider or not, you must have noticed a bunch of metal pieces and leather straps around the horse's head. That's a bridle. In other words, a bridle is an actual mechanism that goes over the horse's head. This holds the bit and fits around or over the ears and under the jaw. Now, this is where the reins come in. The reins attach to the bit, and you use them for controlling the horse. So, now you see, a rein is a connection to your horse. Hence, choose them wisely. Luckily, this article covers all you need to know about the reins to achieve a perfect buy.

The various types of horse reins

There is a wide variety of reins out there in the market that is suits all your needs. For instance, depending on, if you have a horse or a pony, a full-size rein will be around 1.5m in length and for a pony 1.3m. Also, for jumping and flat racing, the rein size needs to be shorter at about 1.4 m in length. In short, you'll find most reins in four primary sizes that are pony, cob, full and extra-full. Even the rein widths differ as per the use. Hence, the type of rein you choose must match your riding style. In other words, selecting the correct controls can make a major difference in how your horse rides or how effective you compete. Therefore, we've listed here a few significant types of horse reins that'll help you pick the right one.

The split reins with grip

You'll see split reins in Western pleasure or Western competitions. But why are they called split? Well, that's because these reins do not attach unless you tie them in a knot at the end. By the way, some riders do it too. You'll find most of these to be flat and smooth and typically come in size range of six to eight feet long. So, these splits are generally long and versatile, and they are great for ground tying. However, some riders may find them cumbersome, as you can quickly drop them when riding. But, their heavy weighted nature makes them one of the best pick. Moreover, most of them come in leather materials that are long-lasting and durable.

The continuous loop reins and saddles

If you want to use continuous loops, then pick a high-quality one that is also a heavyweight rope, ideal for trail riding. One of the benefits of these reins is that they fill your hand and offer you comfort and control. In other words, you'll find them user-friendly and secure to use when you are following a trail. Moreover, you need not guide your horse's every step. Additionally, you can easily adjust them and make them short and long when required. By the way, if you are using them on the trail, then make sure that you have a long one. This allows your horse to ride in a relaxed frame, turn and bend without constant contact, and reach its head down far enough to drink.

The horse reins without a bit

The bit or no bit is an important question, and your horse will help you answer it. Most riders fit into one of these categories. People who are against using bits and those that believe that you cannot get good results without the bit. However, bit or bitless, the basic idea is to keep your horse as comfortable as possible. For instance, some horses dread the sound of metals clinging and the taste of it in their mouths. Most, horses prefer happy mouth bits. But, that doesn't mean you have to go bitless. Many horses are completely fine even with the bits, reins and bridles. It is just that; you need to make sure you have the correct fitted bits and reins.

The bridle without reins

Of course, an ideal horse controlling thing includes the bridle that further comes with bits and reins. However, can you ride a horse without the reins? Well, yes! The horse trained on leg cues and weight distribution in the saddle can perform several moves without the use of restraints. English riding, Western pleasure, and trail riding, as well as rodeo performances, attain fluidity when the horse and rider have synchronised moves. Whether you have a new horse that you need to train in this manner or a one that you've already trained, riding reinless has its perks. However, there are several steps you must follow to get your riding right without the reins.