Reins Set
Friday, July 30th, 2010Saddleseat double bridle reins?
I know the curb rein is supposed to be thinner than the snaffle rein. But are there any other differences in the reins? Someone told me that only the snaffle reins have a buckle in the middle, but I'm not sure I believe that. And I've seen some bridles where the snaffle reins are laced, and others where both sets of reins are smooth. And I do show saddleseat, but I ride a Walker, so I don't use a double bridle.
By the way, I'm asking for a model horse bridle I'm working on, not for a real horse. So maybe you can get away with two sets of laced reins in the show ring, but I need the nit-picky details right, because model horse judges are tough!!
Thanks, guys!
To answer your questions, yes, the snaffle rein does have a buckle and it is because if a running martingale is used, it would be threaded through the snaffle and not the curb which is why the rein has a buckle to open it. This would also be true in H/J using a two reined pelham or weymouth bridle or just a snaffle.. The curb rein is stitched closed. I do ride saddle seat and yes, we do use braided reins. In addition to the thickness, it also enables you to have a better hold and to tell the difference between the two reins. This is the proper way. Now, people do alter reins. We have kids that ride and have smaller hands so sometimes the reins are cut down so the reins won't be so bulky in their hands. Both snaffle and curb reins come in various thicknesses and when showing in a performance class, not too much attention would be paid to using double laced reins, two curbs, etc. I see it done all the time in the show ring. Just not in an Equitation class.
If you look on pages 18 and 29 under "riding reins" at this site which specializes in tack for Saddle Seat, you will see the various styles of reins that are available..even pebbled rubber which one might think is only used in hunt seat.
http://www.lasalleharness.com/
Hope this information helps you to dress your model horse correctly!!
ADD---- For nit-picky purposes I would stick to tradition and use smooth reins with the snaffle being thicker than the curb and with a buckle. Curb stitched closed. If this is a Five Gaited model, don't forget the quarter boots on the front and braided ribbons in the long flowing mane!!