Rein

Types

Closed reins or loop reins

Reins that are either a single piece or are sewn or buckled together. English riders usually use closed reins. Western riders in timed rodeo events use a single closed rein, as do those who use a romal. A closed rein helps prevent the rider losing the reins altogether when dropping them.

Split reins

A rein style seen in western riding where the reins are not attached to one another at the ends. They prevent a horse from tangling its feet in a looped rein, particularly when the rider is dismounted. They are considerably longer than closed reins.

Double reins

The combined use of two sets of reins, a curb rein and a snaffle rein. Double reins are used with a double bridle, with bits such as the Pelham bit and, less often, on some gag bits used for polo.

Draw reins and running reins

Long reins, usually made of leather or nylon webbing, that attach to the saddle or the girth, run through the bit rings, and back to the rider. Several design variations, they add mechanical advantage to the rider's hands and may affect the horse's ability to raise or lower its head. Often used in conjunction with a snaffle rein by English riders, usually used alone by western riders.

Driving reins

Driving reins are often 13 feet or longer, and reins are supported by rings on the harness called terrets. When driving a pair of horses harnessed side-by-side, the reins from each horse are joined midway so the driver holds just two reins. A driver may be on a vehicle or on the ground walking beside or behind the horse.

Lead rein

A third rein used on bridles, not to be confused with the single lead rope of a halter nor the direct rein aid also known as the "leading rein". In North America a third rein is most commonly seen as part of the mecate of a hackamore. In Mongolia it is integral to the bridle, and tied to either a bit ring or a chin strap.

Long reins, long lines

Long reins allow the rider to control the horse from the ground, with the handler walking behind or beside the horse.

Mecate rein

A style of rein seen on a bosal style hackamore made of a single piece of rope that encompasses both a closed rein and a leading rope.

Romal reins

A rein style from the vaquero tradition that incorporates a closed rein with a long quirt at the end.

Side reins

Used when longeing a horse, attached from the bit to the saddle or surcingle, they are not meant to be held by the rider.