Types of Western & Barrel Reins

In addition to barrel reins and roping reins, which have a considerable scope in their variations, you will find three different types of western reins. These have associations with particular bridle and bit types. Most western reins come in a variety of different materials such as leather, horse hair, double-braided marine rope and braided flat cotton. The materials depend on the category of rein you plan to use.

  1. Split

    • A split-style western rein, as the term suggests, consists of two separate reins. For use in the show ring, the correct manner of holding a western split rein involves holding the reins in either hand with the fingers curled around the outside to the inside. Either one or no fingers should be positioned in between the two reins. However, riders taught the traditional "out west" way by authentic cowboys hold split reins in the rider's non-dominant hand with two of the middle fingers between the reins. Use split reins with either snaffle or curb bits.

    Romel

    • Romel reins, also spelled "romal," function with curb bits only. Romel reins use an extension attached to the end of the reins, the romel, to accomplish a closing together of the right-hand and left-hand rein. The correct hand position for romel reins is all fingers -- except the thumb -- wrapped around the rein from outside to inside, with the tail of the romel extension held in the free hand.

    Mecate

    • Mecate-style western reins function with a bosal-style western headstall that incorporates slobber straps and 3-inch rings. The bosal refers to a western hackamore, or single-rein, bitless bridle. The mecate-style western rein (pronounced either as "mac-carty" or "muc-caw-tee") involves a much longer rein than the romel or some types of split reins. A portion of the mecate rein length is secured through the 3-inch rings and the slobber straps through a tie-back method. This allows the rider to use the excess length of rein from the saddle for a lead line.

    Barrel/Roping

    • Barrel reins come in many different types. You may also find barrel reins called roping reins, roper reins, or even barrel roper/barrel roping reins. Barrel reins are primarily used in barrel racing competitive events. Barrel reins used for this purpose generally have a single rein structure and are relatively short length. However, some roping and roper reins can have a split rein structure. While not as long as a mecate rein, they can have a significantly greater length than the typical split trail rein or show ring rein. Because so many varieties of barrel and roping reins exist, consulting a professional saddler on the best options for you and your horse is best when choosing this type of western rein.