What is the purpose of slobber straps?
While they may have an odd name, slobber straps’ purpose is a simple one – they are pieces of leather that attach reins to the bit and act as a hinge of sorts. Because of their weight, slobber straps give the horse a pre-signal when the rider picks up on the reins that contact is about to be made with the bit.
Why do people ride with split reins?
Split reins: a rein style seen in western 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.
What is a mecate reins used for?
The mecate (/məˈkɑːtiː/ or less anglicized /məˈkɑːteɪ/; Spanish pronunciation: [meˈkate]) is the rein system of the bosal style hackamore used to train young horses. It is a long rope, traditionally of horsehair, approximately 20–25 feet long and up to about 3/4 inch in diameter.
What are slobber bars?
Some shanks on western-style bits are “hobbled” together by a metal bar (sometimes called a “slobber bar” because saliva from the horse’s mouth can drop onto it) or even a piece of leather, which has the dual effect of keeping anything from getting wrapped around the shank, such as a lariat, and can limit excessive …
How do you attach loop reins to slobber straps?
Tying On Your Reins You can tie your reins onto your slobber straps by running the mecate reins or other tie-on reins through the holes in the slobber strap on the right side of your horse. Pull the end of the reins all the way through so that the end of the reins is snug against the side of the slobber strap.
How long should split reins be?
eight feet long
The length of reins can also depend on the horse breed. For horses with long necks, you can use 10-feet long reins. Standard western reins are in the range of 9 to 10 feet. Split reins are generally eight feet long.
What are bridged reins?
Bridge your reins. In order to keep a steady contact, it is a good idea to bridge your reins. This means putting one rein over the top of the other, to form a small hoop about 10cms (4in) long, which you hold between your hands and which fits over the horse’s neck.
What are Romel reins?
The romal is larger in diameter and heavier than each rein and has braided buttons on the lower end to give it balance. The reins and romal are joined with a connector strap of braided rawhide or leather. Rawhide buttons (knots) are braided onto the first 18 inches of each rein. These buttons serve 3 purposes.
Why are mecate reins so long?
Most mecate reins measure about 20 to 25 feet long. About 8 to 10 feet are used to create the reins with the bosal. The remaining 10 to 15 feet are used as the lead rope. Because the reins are a single, long rope, it enables riders to customize the fit to their horse and their training purposes.
How do you attach mecate reins to slobber strap?
Attaching Mecate Reins To Your Bridle. First, attach the slobber straps to the rings of the bit. The slobber strap will fold in half, and align the holes. Then take the popper end of your mecate rein. Pass this through all four holes of the slobber straps and end with about 6 inches of the rein freely through the furthest slobber strap.
How do you attach slobber strap to bridle?
And since the rein is one piece you may be wondering how to attach it to the bridle. This is where the slobber straps come in. First, attach the slobber straps to the rings of the bit. The slobber strap will fold in half, and align the holes. Then take the popper end of your mecate rein.
Where is the lead rope in a slobber strap?
Take the remaining rope on the outside of the slobber strap under the slobber strap toward the center, over the top and down through loop. Be sure to tighten your knots, and then you will have a long “lead rope” on the left side. Run the remaining rope up to your saddle, and wrap around the saddle horn.
What do slobber straps do for a horse?
This can in turn cause you to apply more pressure, even if you don’t need to. The slobber straps help to add weight to the reins so you can effectively and quickly communicate with your horse. They also really help to reinforce the pressure and release system of training a horse.