reins

[Zanie]

i dont western ride but i have always wondered how you shorten your reins because you have two instead of one? lol plz:o

[CMR]

I'd say you just take your other hand and shorten almost the same you would in English... I don't know about the rules for a show though.

[Just.Jump]

o.O
There's no difference. Reins are reins- split reins just conveniently spare the rider from having to hold a crop if they need one. We simply work the reins shorter or do an emergency rein shortening if it's something requiring speed.

Generally at shows you are never supposed to shorten the reins anyway- we slow using seat and weight and legs alone at upper skill levels, meaning the face needs very little guidance.

[Zanie]

o ok thankyou :)

[Just.Jump]

No problem ^_^

I actually prefer western reins. With english ones, the extra (or looped bit) is just sitting there in your lap or over the withers- with split reins, they hang down out of your way all the time.

[Captain Equidan]

The excess reins in English should hang down to the right hand side.

[PinkPonyPants]

indeed...

[Bacharel]

Just wanted to add that western reins are not always split. Many time they are connected, which you need for speed events.:)

[Just.Jump]

Which events?
Granted, I don't watch rodeos outside of the calgary stampede, but I've noticed that, here at least, the barrel racers use split to whip the horse faster. I need to take notice of the cow horses, but from what I've read, the reason split reins are mainly used is that a lot of well trained western horses are ground tied. Man jumps off to tie a bull, reins drop, horse stops and stands ready.

I need to take notes this summer :p

[Shadowlark]

Most people running barrels at the Gymkhannas where I am use Roping/barrel reins - As do the team penners and ropers. For doing those sorts of things I prefer the roper rein as it's one less thing to worry about.
My horse doesn't need any extra insentive to run barrels or cattle - whistling sends him flying - those that do tend to use an over under tied to the saddle horn.

[Bacharel]

To add what was said:

Barrel racers/some team penners/roping/goat tyers(the list goes on) will generally use a connected rein of their choice. It is used for the horse safety and convience of the rider. If a roper quickly jumps off their horse, split reins could easily get entagled somehow or another or a horse could step on one and their goes a hefty vet bill. Of course there are some people who will use split reins but in my opinion it should not be done. A over and under typically will be used if a whip is needed but generally speaking most horses dont even need one. Also most people have learned ground tying shouldnt be done and in my opinion its a big NO-NO ESPECIALLY with a bit in there mouth which horses never should be tied with.

Hope that kind of clears it up:D