What Is A Split Rein For Horses?

Split reins: a rein style seen in western riding where the reins are not attached to one another at the ends. They prevent a horse from tangling its feet in a looped rein, particularly when the rider is dismounted. They are considerably longer than closed reins.

What is the purpose of split reins?

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.

Are split reins better?

Split reins are excellent for training, ranching, showing and riding the trails. The width of rein you choose depends on the size of your hands and how the reins feel in your hands.

How do split reins control a horse?

Split reins are two straps attached to either side of the headstall or bit and cross each other in the center with their tails hanging down over each shoulder. Split reins are ideal for one-hand riding, and when your horse drops its head, you can easily hold the reins.

Are split reins hard to use?

Split reins can be great for trail riding, because you can easily ground-tie by laying the reins down on the ground. But some find them hard to use, and they can be easily dropped. You can hold split reins in a variety of ways. You can choose how you hold them and where you hold them to cue your horse.

What kind of reins Do cowboys use?

Split reins are the most common type of reins used in the western industry. When showing, they’re acceptable in most association’s classes with a snaffle bit for direct reining or a curb bit for indirect (neck) reining. In NRCHA classes, junior horses can be shown in a snaffle with split reins.

What kind of reins should I use?

Single continuous-loop reins are great for trail rides, barrel racing, and other performance events. Inexperienced riders may prefer single reins because they’re easy to hold onto and there’s no “loose” end to drop. Rope reins also free up both hands if you need to dig into a saddlebag.

Why do you hold reins in left hand?

Western Neck Reining
When you neck rein, you’ll hold both reins in one hand. Traditionally, the reins will be held in your left hand because it left a cowboy’s dominant hand free (usually the right one) to rope cattle, manipulate gates, and do other work.

Do you pull the reins to stop a horse?

You will keep your weight at the back of the saddle. Remember, leaning forward means ‘speed up’ to a horse, so lean back and keep your heels down. Take the reins in both hands and pull back.

What does inside rein and outside leg do when riding?

The outside rein is also what controls the tempo and the degree of bend in the horse’s body, and which keeps them straight. By riding your horse from the inside leg into a containing and guiding outside rein, you can make adjustments to their way of going.

Does it hurt a horse when you pull the reins?

Remember that you are holding a piece of metal that’s inside your horse’s mouth. If you pull back on the reins or jiggle your hand around, that metal bit will bruise the horse’s sensitive mouth. For the horse to feel confident to seek your hand and work into the bridle, the contact must be comfortable and elastic.

Can you use split reins with a snaffle bit?

Split reins are the most common type of reins used in the western industry. When showing, they’re acceptable in most association’s classes with a snaffle bit for direct reining or a curb bit for indirect (neck) reining. In NRCHA classes, junior horses can be shown in a snaffle with split reins.

Why do riders use double reins?

Through the 19th and 20th century the use of the double bridle spread, as riders saw the benefit of having the two bits to carry out different aids. The double bridle was supposedly an asset to women riding side saddle, as it allowed them to ride sharper horses and remain in control.

How long should your split reins be?

8′
Split reins are usually 8′ in length. They are single pieces of leather which are connected to the bit by loops which are tied, connected by Chicago screws or quick change, swivel and snap closures. They typically come in 1/ 2”, 3/4”, 5/8” and 1” widths. These reins are great for many western riding disciplines.

Why do horses need double reins?

The double bridle is used in order to refine and finesse communication between horse and rider at the highest levels of classical riding.

What size split reins do I need?

Split reins come in a variety of widths, usually 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch, and it boils down to personal prefer- ence. The 1/2-inch reins might be perfect for someone with small hands, while someone with larger hands might want the 3/4-inch reins.

Can a horse neck rein and direct rein?

Types of Rein Control
Direct rein: Applying pressure to a horse’s mouth while guiding the inside rein directly toward your inside hip. Indirect rein: Laying the outside rein (the rein on the outside of a horse’s movement) against the horse’s neck. An indirect rein is the neck rein.

Can you neck rein a horse with snaffle bit?

“The square is the simplest method to train the horse and rider to neck rein.” Start in a snaffle bit and ride with two hands on the reins. Think about your hands guiding your horse’s shoulders and neck, and always keep them straight.

Do you use both reins in a half halt?

Half Halt Variations
If you are on a straight line in trot, you use both of your hips, both of your legs and both of your reins equally in the half halts. However, if you trot on a circle, then the outside rein dominates, the inside hip comes more forward and the outside leg moves slightly back.

How tight should you hold reins?

In most cases, a light but steady pressure is ideal. Keep your hands in front of the saddle and shorten the reins enough so that you can feel the horse’s mouth. Maintain an even pressure regardless of what the horse does, or what your body does to balance.

Why do cowboys spin their reins?

The horse must stop when signaled and hesitate a moment before performing the next movement. Spins (Pivots): There is no direct correlation between the 360-degree spins in a reining pattern and the skills necessary for working cattle. However the spins thrill the crowds and show off the horse’s agility and cooperation.