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Split reins vs. Roping reins in Western Riding

12K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  COWCHICK77 
#1 ·
I bought one pair of Split reins 3 years ago and like so much! Here in Brazil the most common is the Roping reins made of wool and leather. I use a buffalo leather made of 7ft long. What's everyone's preference? Pros and cons? Thanks in advance :)
 
#2 ·
I prefer split reins. They have a better feel, to me. Plus, most roping reins that I've tried are too short for my big horse. :lol: My split reins are 8-feet long and I'm probably going to upgrade to a pair of 10-footers before too long. I have a pair of cotton and a pair of leather split reins. I LOVE the cotton, but the snaps don't fit on my new snaffle. :-(
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#5 ·
I like split reins better. Even if the horse does not know how to neck rein you could just flip the reins over eachother and hold them like roping reins. This way you can two-handed and have a 'custom' length lol.
 
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#6 ·
I LOVE my 8ft weighted harness split reins. I ride in them whenever I ride Angel. The length is very easy to change. Short if I need it, but also long if I need it. However I have come to like my yacht rope mecate reins I made. I have been using them since I started Jinxx. They're very adjustable in length, plus you have the extra rope if you need to get off and lead or do ground work.
 
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#7 ·
My favorite are rawhide romal reins. I have to use them for cow horse competitions (no split reins allowed), so it work out that they are my favorite. :-p

I also like split reins, but don't ride in them as much. When I do I like the weighted harness leather ones (have about 3 pair of them for my snaffles and loose shank curbs).

Not a fan of roping reins. I think I do have some for when someone who is not a rider wants a ride in the yard on one of my horses (which is rare; my Arab mare is a total baby sitter in yard, but when they see me ride her, they usually pass, LOL).
 
#8 ·
I used to have leather reins, I'm guessing they were splits reins but they were tied together. Absolutely hated them because they were too long for my taste. So I bought these roper reins and love them! They can clip on and off, so if I decide to ride in a halter one day, I can switch them out. They look short but they're 8', still a decent length once I put them on.



At the barn I take lessons at, I use these which are pretty similar. I love them too.

 
#9 ·
For regular riding, I very much prefer split reins for a few reasons.
1) If something were to happen and I were to fall off, with long split reins I may still be able to hang onto my horse so that they can't run away and run back to the barn (and leave me on the trail). With a short roping rein, that's not gonna happen.
2) On the rare occasion I need a whip, my reins can double as that!
3) If I need to get off and open a gate or whatever, it is much easier to lead my horse without having to flip the reins over their neck.
4) On the rare occasion I need to quickly tie my horse up, I can do so easily with the split reins. (although I certainly don't make it a habit to tie with the bridle).

My favorite is 8-foot harness leather reins.

I do also barrel race, and for that of course I use barrel racing reins.
 
#11 ·
On that topic, that is why I prefer LEATHER split reins. If the horse were to step on them or catch on them, they'd hypothetically break. I'd rather replace tack, that have my horse get a nasty injury because it didn't break. (Versus if you used nylon reins, for example, that usually do not break.)
 
#12 ·
Stands my hair on end when I see people riding in knotted halters and single nylon reins. If the horse got loose and snagged on something, it's not going to pull hard enough to break free because of the pain inflicted by the thin rope and knots. People need to think more of possible consequences rather that following trends.
 
#13 ·
I don't leave my horse in a rope halter with reins. I ride them like that. My horses haven't gotten loose from me while riding. If they did, I'd go looking for them.

If I was physically unable to go looking for them, then I'd probably be so ****** off that getting snagged would be the least of their concerns. And if the horse did get snagged and thus waited...well, that would probably be healthier for them than continuing on out into the desert. I'd have a much better chance of finding one if it didn't go far.
 
#14 ·
Just depends on the horse and what I'm doing.

I like split reins for riding colts in an arena or just arena riding generally.

Roping reins for arena roping.

Romel reins for my broke horses, cowboying, showing.

McCarty reins for colts outside.

I learned my lesson last winter, no riding colts in split reins roping wild cows in -20 F weather with 2 pairs of gloves. I haven't dropped a split rein in 20+ years but then is not the time to do it.
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