Reins are used to direct ahorse (or other animal) whenriding ordriving. They are attached to abridle'sbit ornoseband and are made ofleather,nylon, or other materials. Reins are used to give subtle commands or cues—also known asrein aids—to ask for a turn, a slower speed, a halt, or togo backwards.[1]: 402 [2]: 178
A closed rein (left) will stay looped over the horse's neck; split reins (right).
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 timedrodeo events use a single closed rein, as do those who use aromal. A closed rein helps prevent the rider losing the reins altogether when dropping them.
Split reins
A rein style seen inwestern 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 adouble bridle, with bits such as thePelham bit and, less often, on somegag bits used forpolo.
Long reins, usually made of leather or nylon webbing, that attach to the saddle or the girth, run through thebit 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 are often 13 feet or longer, and reins are supported by rings on theharness calledterrets. 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 singlelead rope of ahalter nor thedirect rein aid also known as the "leading rein". In North America a third rein is most commonly seen as part of the mecate of ahackamore. In Mongolia it is integral to the bridle, and tied to either abit ring or achin 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.[1]: 304
Clayton, Hilary M.; Larson, Britt; Kaiser, Leeann J.; Lavagnino, Michael (2011). "Length and elasticity of side reins affect rein tension at trot".The Veterinary Journal.188 (3):291–294.doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.05.027.PMID20638876.
Clayton, Hilary M.; Singleton, Wesley H.; Lanovaz, Joel L.; Cloud, Gary L. (2005). "Strain gauge measurement of rein tension during riding: A pilot study".Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology.2 (3):203–205.doi:10.1079/ECP200553.
"Rein Check"(PDF).USDF Connection. June 2011. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on February 13, 2013. RetrievedMay 8, 2013.
