Are my reins to long?????

[Tripledeuce]

As many of you know,Jan and I are dealers for all John Lyons stuff,,,,,,,,and I also make reins............

The most commen question "I" get,,,,"How do I know my reins are the correct length?"

Its simple,,,,,,,,,If,when you bring your reins to your chest,with one hand in the "middle" of the rein.......There is no "slack" in the rein,they are the correct length for you,,and that horse...... If there is slack,they are to long,if they don't reach your chest,they are to short.........

Rein length will vary from horse to horse,it depends on the lenght of the neck and head........ So,if you ride different horses,you need to check the lenght with each horse.............

I hope this helps.

Terry

[MeasureMe]

Thanks, Terry. I think one set of my JL reins is too long, but I don't want to unwrap the string to shorten them. I have another set that I haven't checked yet.

[cols]

....another advantage to mecates. They are eminently adjustable ! ;)

[Tripledeuce]

A macate" knot can be tied on any reins with slober leathers,making them very adjustable!!!!!

Anne,,,,,,,bring your reins with you,the next time we get together,and I'll shorten them for you...... No charge........LOL!!!!

Actually,,,,,it would take less than 15 min. to "adjust" most reins..............

Terry

[Tripledeuce]

Bump,, bump bump.

[ShadowfaX]

Actually I prefer my reins longer..... I think Haunani made mine 11 feet or so.
Didn't think there was a rule for how long or short they need to be. Personal preference and ability to do the job that you and the horse need done dictates length.

So my extra long reins are meant to allow my horse to graze without me having to sit in an unbalanced and unsafe position.... but these would certainly not be useful to and would only get in the way of someone riding a barrel horse who needs direct contact with little interference or distraction.
On a cutting horse you'd need to give plenty of room for the horse to drop it's head so a rein length as described above would probably be too short to allow the horse to move effectively.

[Devo]

The first sport rein I got JJ was 8 feet. WAY too short! So I bought a 10 foot set and they are perfect, just like you described T! They are sport boat rope reins (a bit smaller in diameter then the JL reins but the same basic thing) and I have them knotted like a mecate rein on slobber straps. They are adjustable that way, and I like them better than the JL slobber straps (not that there is anything wrong with them, I just think they look goofy big)

[Tripledeuce]

There are ,of course, exceptions to everything,,,,,,,,,,,as well as personal preferences.

The reins to the chest is a starting point for a person who "might" not have as much experience as others,and might have to do a quick one reins stop.

Terry

[ak_leroy]

Thanks Terry, I will have to check my reins.

So if they are too long, how do you shorten them??? My hubby bought me John Lyons reins for christmas and I think they are a bit long for me.

[Tripledeuce]

If you have the new style thats stiched,,,,,,,the easiest way is to just cut the stiched cover off and tie the reins to the slobber leatherss with a half knot.

Terry