From: Steve
Dear Jessica! I am always being surprised by how much you know about all different breeds, types of horses, types of riding, etc. I hope someday I can ride with you. I bought my first horse last year, a QH gelding called Poco. I've been going to shows once in a while and would like to finish the year by going to two or three bigger shows at the end of the summer. My trainer is a real cowboy, which is great for learning how to really ride a horse, but not so great for show advice because he doesn't think much of shows or showing. So here's what I want to know: is there a special way to hold split reins? I try to look at what other people do in the show ring, but it looks like different people do it different ways. I'd like to know how I should be doing it, in the show ring and when I'm just riding around at home! I usually just tie the reins in a knot when I'm at home, it's easier that way. Also, are some kinds of reins better than others?
Thanks a bunch for all you do for us riders! I used to think that dressage-riders were a pretty snobby group, but you've sure changed my mind about that.
Steve
When you're not at a show, just use whatever works for you. ;-) But you might want to consider this: the whole point of split reins is that they ARE split reins, not closed reins or roping reins. So if you're going to knot them for convenience, thus creating "no-longer-split" reins, you might be better off using California-style romal reins in the first place (if you like your reins long) or a roping rein (if you like your reins short).
Here are the reins you'll typically see used in various forms of Western riding:
Split reins are 6' - 8' long separate straps, usually between 3/8" and 1" wide. They may be made from leather (flat or braided), nylon webbing, braided mohair, or plaited nylon cord in just about any colour. Parachute cord is very popular in some areas.
Closed ("California") reins are two reins connected by a three-foot quirt, the "romal." These reins are almost always made from leather: flat, rounded, or braided. If you ever have a lot of extra money and can't think of any way to spend it, there is a really gorgeous style of bridle and matching California reins, made with round-braided leather...
Roping reins are really just ONE rein, made from leather or nylon or braided cotton (my personal favourite!). A roping rein won't allow your horse to put its head very far down, but if you're a contest rider, they're ideal because if you drop them, they're still right there on the horse's neck.
And even though you're not using it, I'll just mention the bosal-and-mecate hackamore. ;-)
Now, about holding the reins:
If you ride one-handed, hold the reins in your non-dominant hand, so that your dominant hand is free to open gates, adjust your hat, throw a rope, or do whatever job needs doing. If you're left-handed, you would hold the reins in your right hand, leaving your right hand free.
In the show ring, some trainers like their riders to make a fist with the reins coming up through the fist. Other trainers want their riders to hold their index finger (or their index finger AND middle finger) between the reins. Whatever works for you should be fine -- but either way, keep your thumb up and knuckles facing forward. And no matter how you hold your reins, remember to keep your rein hand just in front of the saddle horn, right along the center of the horse's neck.
Jessica
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