• • Split reins: a rein style seen in western riding where the reins are not attached to one another at the ends.

• Use for riding Reins are used to give subtle commands or cues, also known as rein aids.

• This is usually two single (buckled or sewn) reins, though sometimes split reins may be seen on western-style bridles.

• Modern curb reins usually buckle together at the ends, though reins of the classical curb were sewn together at the ends to create a single rein.

• • Lead rein: A third rein used on bridles, not to be confused with the single lead rope of a halter nor the direct rein aid known as the “leading rein”.

• Rein aids are used along with leg aids, shifting of body weight, and sometimes voice commands.

• A long rein called a longe line may be used to allow the horse to move in a circle for training purposes, or for the purpose of a clinical lameness evaluation by a veterinarian.

• • Draw reins and running reins: long reins, usually made of leather or nylon webbing, that attach to the saddle or the girth, run through the bit rings, and back to the rider.

• On certain designs of headgear, a third rein may be added to the paired reins, used for leading, longeing, or other specialized or stylistic purposes.

• Often used in conjunction with a snaffle rein by English riders, usually used alone by western riders.

• Types Types of reins include: • Closed reins, or loop reins: reins that are either a single piece or that buckle together at the ends.

 

Works Cited

[‘1. The Portable Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer, Penguin 1975 page 245
2. ^ Definition of “free rein” at Merriam Webster. Accessed March 3, 2008
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx/5674134129/’]