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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
 
Location: Texas | How short are your reins? I hate riding with short reins but I'm finding when I'm on the pattern I'm losing time and focus when I switch hands and go from horn to rein etc. I almost feel like I need them where my hand holding the rein is at the center and the longest point. Does that make sense?
Edited by batkitty 2014-06-18 5:05 PM
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  Angel in a Sorrel Coat
Posts: 16030
 
Location: In a happy place | It always depended on the horse. But I usually used mine pretty short. |
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 Regular
Posts: 95
| The rule of thumb is that they should just come to the tip of the horn when you pick them up, and then you are supposed to adjust from there depending on the horse. I know with my horse, he has a really long neck and I actually found that I needed my rein quite a bit shorter than that. I all depends on your arm length, your horse's neck and running style, and what you feel most comfortable with. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
Location: Texas | Do you ride with them longer when you are just schooling, no pattern, at home? Maybe I just need two sets of reins. |
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 Firecracker Dog Lover
Posts: 3175
| Short reins to run in, long reins to do slow work, trail ride in. |
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 Mouhahaha
Posts: 1786
Location: British Columbia | I've got awkwardly long monkey arms, so my reins are very short. 
Edited by TMEquine 2014-06-18 9:45 PM
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | batkitty - 2014-06-18 1:10 PM Do you ride with them longer when you are just schooling, no pattern, at home? Maybe I just need two sets of reins.
I ride with different reins as my running reins are too short to ride in.
I prefer running with a shorter rein but I use to have a horse that I had to run with a long rein.
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | I literally have to lope and warm up in split reins because his neck is so long and he holds his head so low during workouts and warm ups.
However when we run his head is so high and his neck is so long i have to keep them very very short. When he is standing resting after a run they barely go half way to his neck.
there is no way for me to reach them unless he's running. I have to switch reins very often because of his headset. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Mine are ridiculously short as well. Can't ride in them normally. I use split reins when I'm not running. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
Location: Texas | IRunOnFaith - 2014-06-18 1:40 PM
When he is standing resting after a run they barely go half way to his neck.
there is no way for me to reach them unless he's running. I have to switch reins very often because of his headset.
Thank you! This helps me visualize it. So I'm not crazy.  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
Location: Texas | Thanks everyone! I wasn't sure if I should be running in reins as short as I feel like I need them. So I've shortened them when running and lengthened them while just riding, practice, dry work, etc. When my mare starts out she has a pretty low headset, but after she gets going it gets higher, which I like, but really messes with my ability to switch hands. Doesn't help that I'm still getting my rear in shape and my core is so weak!
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 A Lady with Fight
Posts: 2701
Location: NC | batkitty - 2014-06-18 6:08 PM
Thanks everyone! I wasn't sure if I should be running in reins as short as I feel like I need them. So I've shortened them when running and lengthened them while just riding, practice, dry work, etc. When my mare starts out she has a pretty low headset, but after she gets going it gets higher, which I like, but really messes with my ability to switch hands. Doesn't help that I'm still getting my rear in shape and my core is so weak!
It's easier for me to switch reins than keep adjusting them.
But I have two separate headstalls to work and run in. My working headstall has split reins. My running headstall has my one piece running reins. And they are super short. Like you have to lean forward when he's standing or walking just to be able to reach them. But as soon as he picks up the pace to head down the alley, his head comes up and my knots are perfect. I like my hand DOWN the rein, not in the center. It works better for my horse and makes more sense to me. |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| I used split reins until i am like on deck or a couple horses out then i just lean over and snap and unsnap, and run. Horses stay quieter cause you can set up.
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I have split reins and some long cotton reins i use for slow work and everyday use. My running reins are about 6"-8" from my horn when standing relaxed. I have to really stretch when warming him up but they're even a bit long when im running. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 352
Location: Texas | I bought some snaps today so I can switch my reins easier and just had to buy another headstall to make another bridle. |
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Fire Ant Peddler
Posts: 2881
| You ride in what is comfortable for you. I have longer reins for riding at the house and also use a German Martingale a lot at the house so those reins are a little longer too. All of my reins have BRASS BOLT snaps. Those trigger snaps are dangerous. |
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 Playing the Waiting Game
Posts: 2304
| I don't switch reins I switch the whole bridle. I like the change I feel it lets my horse know it's time to compete. I'll sometimes trail ride with a hack and run in what ever bit that horse needs. Or I'll have a similar bit on a different headstall but have it sit just a little different in his mouth.
The length of rein is like some one already posted on here. Shorten them until you are not fighting them. If the get too short like one poster said I'd put a littl string or rubberband on them where I could put it around my horn for when your just standing around. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | Depends on the horses style |
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 Loves to compete
Posts: 5760
Location: Oakdale, CA |
I like to run in short reins when I tighten my cinch I take an inch or so out of my reins. When I'm done running I lengthen my reins back. My horse knows too when I shorten my reins its time to rock and roll. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 477
Location: Lost in the swamps | Some people say just before the horn, I tend to keep my reins a little longer on my new horse because it's a lil more forgiving for him. he is super sensitive and will over turn second and third barrel if the contact is too much he's cuttin bred And is really turny, and round in his turns, my other horse was the opposite all run and flat ,roll back style around a barrel. Play with it and see what's best,every horse is different. |
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