What bit and reins do you use?

Some leather roping reins aren't bad for barrels, but if I'm going to run a pattern, I like my knotted nylon reins.

For training, I like to use longer roping reins, or even long split reins (8')... just my personal quirk.

My fave bits:






These white reins are THE BEST EVER. My all time go-to for breaking horses. Love love love them!

I use braided reins, I really like the ones made from para cord but the nylon ones are cheaper.

As for bits, most horses I train are still young and in a snaffle. So they get trained in a simple D Ring bit. That's what my colt is in still. My main horse runs in a Little S Hack. I ride in the same bit for everything and always have.

As for your hands generally your going to have both hands on the reins except when turning. Turning you should only have your inside hand on the reins and your outside hand holding the saddle horn.
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I use these:





I prefer closed reins rather than split and I trained my mare in a simple O ring snaffle, I used to use it to run barrels but now I use a little s hack.

Leather reins from shallow creek

Bozo sidepull

LW Jim Warner gag
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Same here!
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Ok another question to toss out while it's on my mind and I won't see my trainer for 2 more days. Why do you like an O ring snaffle vs a D ring, or D ring vs an O ring? Is one more harsh or heavier on the mouth, movements smoother on one? I know all horses are different and by no means am I going to run out and buy a million different bits to try. Just like all the info :)
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I think it is really a preference call....I use O-rings for everything really, from breaking colts, starting on barrels, to tuning the finished barrel horse in. I am sure some people have a specific reason but I just like them better.

And some horses like to lean or take hold of a D-Ring because of the fixed rings, but can't really do that with the O because the bit is constantly being moved with the rings. (If that made any sense at all I will be amazed lol)

^^ Agree. It is more personal preference.

I myself used to always use a D-ring .... now I find myself leaning toward the O-ring.

I think the mouthpiece of the snaffle that you use, is just as important as decided which cheeks to use (full cheek, D-ring, O-ring, etc).

Lots of choices!!









Although I am NOT a fan of twisted wire with a snaffle. It doesn't make sense to me.

Currently I use a snaffle just like the 2nd one from the top in those pics, but I have used a twisted wire before. I didn't care for it. It felt a little harsh to me when trig minded just fine in a simple snaffle- I only used the twisted wire twice before going back.
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I prefer o ring snaffles. I have a ton of plain smooth single jointed, a french link, two myler comfort snaffles, a twisted myler comfort snaffle, and a couple twisted ones as well. I do all my schooling in a snaffle unless the horse is broke broke broke, and even then I often will go back to the snaffle when we start having problems.

Ruger and Selena both do better in a twisted snaffle. Both are capable of using a smooth but the reactions I get are better. I would rather see a twisted snaffle than a twisted shank. I very, very rarely ever use a single jointed twist shank or gag on any horse. While schooling in a twisted snaffle, I run in a smooth dogbone jr. Cowhorse with rollers on both of them right now. Always start smooth then go up as your horse gets more broke. Not the other way around.