Romal reins (sometimes spelled romel reins) are a type of reins used in Western riding. They are made up of two parts: the reins and the romal. The reins connect to the horse’s bit and are about half of the total length. The romal is one long rein that makes up the other half. At the end of the romal, there is a popper, which is a short piece of leather. This popper helps the rider give signals to the horse and makes the reins look nice.
Romal reins are great for Western riding events, like reining, trail riding, and pleasure riding. Riders hold romal reins differently from other types of reins, like split reins or roping reins. They hold both parts of the reins in one hand and let the romal hang down or rest over the other hand. This makes it easier to control the horse with small hand movements and helps the rider keep a good riding position.
Western romal reins often have braided rawhide buttons, which are small, round decorations made from rawhide (dried animal skin). These buttons make the reins look more attractive and also help to balance the reins, so the horse can feel the rider’s signals more clearly. Romal reins are a great choice for riders who want a mix of beauty and function in their tack.
The Benefits of Romal Reins: Tradition, Function, and Style
Romal reins are a key part of Western horse riding, combining tradition, practicality, and beauty. They help both the rider and the horse, making them popular in events like reining and working cow horse competitions. Let’s take a look at why romal reins are so useful.
1. Better Communication
Romal reins are designed to help riders give clear signals to their horse. Because they’re weighted and balanced, even small hand movements can tell the horse exactly what to do—whether it’s to turn, stop, go faster, or change position. Over time, this helps build a stronger connection between horse and rider, making the horse more responsive and confident.
2. Great for One-Handed Riding
In Western riding, riders often need to use one hand for tasks like roping cattle or opening gates. Romal reins are perfect for this because they let the rider control the horse with one hand while holding the romal (the long extension of the reins) in the other. This design encourages gentle neck-reining and keeps the horse connected to the rider, even when multitasking.
3. Balanced Feel
Romal reins feel balanced and steady because of their design. They’re made with braided leather or rawhide and have a weighted tip called a popper. This helps the reins drape naturally, so they don’t get tangled or give the horse mixed signals. For the horse, this means a more stable connection; for the rider, it means better control and comfort, especially during precise moves.
4. Traditional and Beautiful
Romal reins come from a long tradition of Western riding, especially from the vaqueros (cowboys) of California and Mexico. Today, they’re still a symbol of skill and respect for Western riding traditions. Many romal reins are handmade from high-quality leather or rawhide and decorated with silver and fancy braiding. They not only work well but also look stylish, showing the rider’s respect for Western heritage.
5. Comfortable for the Horse
The smooth, continuous design of romal reins spreads pressure evenly on the horse’s mouth. This prevents harsh tugs or uneven pressure that could cause discomfort. Because the reins give steady and gentle signals, the horse stays relaxed and is more willing to follow the rider’s cues. This leads to a better, more enjoyable ride.
6. Additional Benefits
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Durability and Longevity: Romal reins are crafted from durable materials like rawhide or premium leather, designed to withstand the demands of daily ranch work or competition while maintaining their integrity and beauty.
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Versatility: Suitable for a range of disciplines, romal reins can transition from practical ranch work to competitive show arenas, showcasing their adaptability.
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Safety and Functionality: The attached romal can serve as a cue or whip if needed, offering added utility without the need for extra equipment.
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Compliance with Competition Rules: In certain Western classes such as reined cow horse and Western riding, romal reins are not only traditional but often required, making them an essential tool for competitive riders.
Romal reins are a classic choice in Western riding, originating from the vaquero tradition, and are known for their functionality and style. They consist of closed reins attached to the bit, with a long, flexible extension called the romal, which often ends with a popper. The romal not only adds balance and weight but also enhances communication with the horse, making subtle cues more effective. When using romal reins, hold the closed reins in your left hand just below the loop connecting to the romal. Your hand should be upright, as if holding an ice cream cone, with a relaxed grip that allows gentle control. Meanwhile, your right hand holds the romal extension, positioned lightly near your hip, letting it hang down with the popper resting against your leg. It’s important to maintain a 16-inch spacing between your hands and keep the romal lying flat against your leg to prevent tangling.
A key rule in using romal reins is to avoid placing a finger between the reins—a common disqualification in Western competitions like AQHA and NRCHA. The design of romal reins, with their weight and length, allows for subtle yet clear communication, providing both rider and horse with a balanced, smooth feel. They are favored not only for their functionality but also for their traditional aesthetic, often seen in Western show rings to highlight the heritage of horsemanship.
Proper care of romal reins is essential. For rawhide romals, apply a good quality rawhide cream or beef fat at least once a year to keep them supple and prevent breakage. If the reins become wet, hang them straight to dry—possibly with a small weight at the bottom to help them retain their shape—before reconditioning them. Always store them in a climate-controlled space to prevent damage from moisture or pests.
Romal reins represent the elegance and skill of traditional Western riding, offering a timeless way to improve your communication with your horse while adding a touch of classic style.
Conditioning:
For rawhide romals, it’s essential to maintain their flexibility and durability by conditioning them at least once a year. Use a high-quality rawhide cream or beef fat, which helps to preserve the natural oils in the rawhide, preventing it from becoming dry and brittle. Before conditioning, ensure the reins are clean and dry. Gently rub the cream or fat into the surface using a soft cloth or your hands, making sure to cover all areas evenly. Allow the product to soak in before wiping off any excess. This conditioning process helps extend the lifespan of your romal reins and keeps them supple for smooth handling.
Drying:
If your romal reins become wet, whether from rain, sweat, or accidental exposure, it’s crucial to dry them properly to prevent warping or cracking. Hang the reins straight in a well-ventilated area, ideally with a small weight attached to the bottom of the reins to help them maintain their shape. Avoid direct heat sources like heaters or blow dryers, as excessive heat can damage the rawhide or leather. Once the reins are completely dry, reapply conditioning cream or beef fat to restore any moisture lost during the drying process.
Storage:
Proper storage of your romal reins is vital to ensure their longevity. Store them in a climate-controlled environment where the temperature and humidity levels are stable. Avoid damp or excessively dry locations, as extreme conditions can cause the rawhide or leather to degrade over time. Keep the reins away from pests such as mice or insects that might chew on the material, and never leave them in a tack room with fluctuating temperatures or direct sunlight. When not in use, hang the reins neatly to prevent unnecessary creases or bends, and consider using a protective cover or bag to shield them from dust and accidental damage.
