Rein lengths & measuring

[Tangle]

Does anyone know the correct way of measuring rein lengths? We know we want each rein to be about 7 feet long from bit ring to buckle, but what do I need to ask a saddler for to get that? Is it possible to get English style reins that long? None of the tack shops I've seen in England give a rein length.

Alternatively, what Western style reins could I use? In an ideal world I'd have plain black leather, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.

Any ideas, anyone? I'm confused :o

[Tangle]

Following on the Western question (as they seem to come in 7 or 8 foot as standard lengths), what's the difference between Roper, Romel and Split reins?

And if the reins have a "conrad buckle on each end", does that mean they can be joined up like normal English reins, or would they need a trip to the saddlers? :confused::confused::confused:

[TBs N QHs]

Split reins are split in the middle? LoL


Most reins are adjustable. I have never really heard of measuring for the 'correct' size..

I use whatever I am comfortable with. Not too long, but not too short.. Thats why I go with adjustable! :)

[Tangle]

Originally posted by TBs N QHs
Split reins are split in the middle? LoL
Couldn't believe it was that easy ;)

Originally posted by TBs N QHs
Most reins are adjustable. I have never really heard of measuring for the 'correct' size..

I use whatever I am comfortable with. Not too long, but not too short.. Thats why I go with adjustable! :)
How are the reins adjustable?

All the English reins I've met aren't adjustable, other than by when you hold them. It's getting really frustrating that the horse tries to stretch and the buckle is pulled so tight on their necks you have to reach forward to give them the length :(. And I can't find any longer English reins in the UK without getting them made to order.

I guess the question is, when reins are described as "7 foot", is that each rein or the pair (I think it must be each one, but would be nice to know for sure) :).

[TBs N QHs]

Should be full length of the reins end to end.

My english reins adjust at the bottom, where it connects to the bit and in the middle.

[galadriel]

Roper or barrel reins are one single rein; if it says "8 feet," then that's 8 feet of rein *total*. Split reins are longer, intended to be tied together to adjust their length (or left separate if you like).

I would imagine that it would be relatively easy to fasten some high-quality split reins to make one long continuous rein. Cheapo ones would be rough, though, since the leather would be less consistent in texture throughout.

A conway buckle is a seriously annoying thing which I've only ever seen in Western tack. It looks like this:
http://www.countrysupply.com/products/sku-SDN72.html
There's a little spike in the center of the buckle--it may be hard to see.

The conway buckle fastens or adjusts by slipping the strap through the buckle, around whatever, and back through. The strap has a hole at the very end, and a hole on the remaining piece of strap. You have to get the holes lined up over the spike in order to secure the strap in place.

I'd imagine Western riders, used to conway buckles, might regard English rein hook studs with the hostility that I feel for conway buckles ;) But I really think that they're much more annoying than any piece of equipment is worth.

[Tangle]

Thanks for that - those buckles sound evil :eek:. Definately try and give them a miss ;).

Roper reins would definately be too short - hadn't twigged to the fact they were a single length.

So would 8 ft split reins be 8ft each? Feeling very blonde this evening :o! If they are then that would probably be easiest - just need an (english ;)) buckle added in the middle.

How about Romal reins? I've been trying to work it out from pictures, but it's difficult to judge when they're all rolled up. All I can say is that there doesn't seem to be as much of them as there there is of the split reins.

Any recomendations of manufacturers to either go for or avoid?

[galadriel]

Originally posted by Tangle
So would 8 ft split reins be 8ft each?

Right.

Romal reins look to be reins that mimic split reins but without the actual split:
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RR523
Two reins that attach together, then have one single strap extending backwards. I think this may be for using the end of the rein as a whip (which can also be done with the extra left over on split reins)--but is entirely useless for your purposes :)

[Tangle]

Yay! Think I finally understand :D. Split reins here I come :p

thinking about the Conway Buckles - I guess they have the advantage that they're very easy to change if they break.

Thanks for all your help :)