There are such a wide variety of reins that it can get overwhelming at times! Here's a quick break down of the types of reins and what discipline they're commonly used in.

Split Reins - This type of rein is not connected to its other half. Each half is a single "rein" together they make a set of reins. These reins are usually very long and most commonly used in trail, ranch work, cutting and show. The materials most commonly used are either leather, cotton, or rawhide. The width and length depend on the individual reins. Show reins usually have silver to add extra sparkle.

Cotton Split Reins

(photo taken from ebay.com)

Leather Split Reins

(photo taken from whipnspur.com)

Leather Show Split Reins

(photo taken from arcadiasim.com)

Rawhide Split Reins

(photo taken from mackcustomleather.com)

Closed Reins - This type of rein is connected by either a buckle or is just one continuous piece and aren't as long as split reins. These reins are commonly used in barrel racing and roping. The types of materials most commonly used are leather, cotton, or nylon. There are also two special types of closed reins. One is called a mecate: this is a long rope that is usually tied around a bosal in such a way as to create a rein loop and one long free rein. There is also a romal style rein which is a closed rein with a quirt (a type of whip/crop) attached to the end of the reins.

Barrel Racing Reins

(photo taken from stagecoachwest.com)

Roping Reins

(photo taken from amazon.com)

Mecate

(photo taken from lemen.com)

Romal

(photo taken from schutzbrothers.com)

New ideas for reins are coming out all the time! Schutz Brothers recently patented a soft hand training rein. They're called the DARE Soft-Hands Training Reins. They aid the rider in using the bit in harmony with the way it was designed to function. Developed with Rusty Dare pro horseman and the designer of the DARE Cribbing Control Collar. These reins are great for training either young/beginning riders or young horses!

(photo taken from schutzbrothers.com)

It's important that you find reins that are comfortable and easy for you to use and will benefit you most in whatever discipline you ride!

"My second home is on a horse." --Author Unknown

~ Saddle Up