Split reins redux

The new bit that I had ordered arrived at the end of last week. Today I fitted it to Doru's old bridle complete with well-used long split reins, giving me two complete bridles. I used to ride with split reins nearly all the time back in Transylvania, a habit that I had picked up from Kelli.

Back here I reverted to one-piece webbing reins which offer a good grip in the rain. Then at the end of winter I didn't swap back to split reins, and thus I rode for a couple of years.

The bit is a gentle lozenge type, and a little wider than the other (though both, nominally, are 6" bits). As for the reins, they require a softer style, with a tiny contact practically provided by the weight of the reins themselves. I ride with both reins between the thumb and first finger of my left hand, and the last couple of feet of the right rein in the other hand in place of a stick. The occasional gentle flick of the tip of the right rein reminds Brena not to snatch at vegetation.

Brena went very well in the new bridle. She moved freely, lightly, as if happier with this style of riding. As for me, I was comfortable, relaxed and enjoying Brena's energy and willingness to be directed. It was reminiscent of the old days when riding was as natural as walking across the room.

Comments

[funder]

I'm just way too clumsy for split reins! I agree, having the loose end available for a quick smack if necessary is really handy, but the consequences of dropping a rein are too much for me.

[Transylvanianhorseman]

I find that if the reins are long enough then if one is dropped it stays across the neck. The loose ends hang down past my boots. Plus a thick mane tends to hold onto a rein, whether leather or webbing.

[jess]

I both love and hate split reins. They can be a nightmare with novice riders... how many times have I had to rescue people when the horse reaches down to eat grass and tugs the rein out of their hand. But the same time, on the trail they are fabulous for the reasons you list above. I find them a little cumbersome when schooling though, but since Im now riding in a different way that may be part of the reason. Im sure that little reminder (of the end of the rein) has come in handy on your rides though, as if the UK is anything like Italy, its a green grassy wonderland for greedy horses :)

[Transylvanianhorseman]

I never used split reins for anyone but myself. Far too much of a pain with butter-fingered guests. But for me they are perfect. I'm just a trail rider, no schooling here except out on the trail. Yes, this is a green grassy wonderland for greedy horses, one ever-hungry mare in paticular. You'd think that not a blade of grass grew in her field...