Dennis Moreland’s Tack Tips

One of my favorite questions to answer for riders is “Which split reins are best for training and riding my colts?” When choosing between doubled and stitched, and harness leather reins, you must consider the functionality of each type, personal preferences, hand size, the colt’s size and the climate in which you ride.

Doubled and stitched reins are made by cutting two leather strips of equal length and width for each rein. After preparatory steps that include adding leather to the tail ends for weight, one strip is placed on top of the other (doubled), and the two pieces are tightly stitched together. The reins are edged, rubbed, oiled and rubbed again for a smooth, clean finish. Doubled and stitched reins come in a variety of weights, widths and lengths, and can be made entirely of latigo leather or with harness leather on one side and latigo leather on the other.

Harness leather reins are cut from hides that are thicker and heavier in the neck and hind ends compared to the rest of the hide. The entire length of each hide is cut with the thicker, heavier areas becoming the tail and bit ends of the split reins, which makes them naturally weighted. Like doubled and stitched reins, harness leather reins are cut and finished in a variety of widths and lengths, so you can select the reins that works best for you and your colts.

The width of rein you choose depends on the size of your hands and how the reins feel in your hands. Although this is personal preference, genreally narrower widths work well for people with smaller hands, medium widths fit almost everyone and riders with larger hands or who want a wide rein to train in prefer wider reins.

The height of the colts you ride and the amount of slack you like to have in your reins are key factors when choosing rein length. For colts in training that are 14.2 hands and smaller, I recommend reins approximately 7-foot long reins. For colts taller than 14.2 hands, reins that are between 7 and 7 foot, 9 inches work well. These lengths should provide excellent communication with your horse, and the weight in

JACKIE CAVENDER

the tail ends of the reins will keep them in place during quick starts and turns. The reins will also have good balance out of the back of your hands.

Another key factor in rein selection is the climate in which you live and ride. In freezing weather, doubled and stitched latigo reins stay more flexible than harness leather reins. In moderate to warm climates, either rein works well.

No matter the type of reins you choose, quality reins will only get better with use as the sweat and oil from your horses and your hands work into the leather. In time, they will also come to fit your hands like your favorite gloves.

National Reined Cow Horse Association member Dennis Moreland, owner of Dennis Moreland Tack, has made quality working and show tack since 1976. Visit www.dmtack.com or call 817-312-5305 to see how he can help you with your tack needs. Dennis Moreland Tack is a full line manufacturer of quality handmade tack and is here to help you!