Leather riding reins - restraints by Sinvention - review by Nashville

Any good trainer knows that in order to ride your pony, you must have a strong set of reins - Especially if you want to ride your pony hard. Fitted with chrome plated scissor snaps that are double riveted to 3/4", 10 oz. bridle leather leads, the Leather Riding Reins from Sinvention were crafted with hard play in mind.

The scissor snaps are brilliant; they're extremely useful for quickly attaching and detaching reins from a bridle or bit. If you find yourself in a particularly stressful situation with your pony - simply straddle and hold your fowl, mare, or stallion down and detach the reins with ease. The scissor snaps are mounted on a swivel base so you don't have to fight with a particular angle or getting tangled up as these allow the freedom to move in any chosen direction.

The leather leads are 3/4" wide and feel good in your hands. If your pony happens to bolt off, they may cause "rope burn" on bare hands as the edges are unfinished. When the reins arrive they will be very stiff and because the sides are unfinished, riding gloves are recommended to protect a trainer's hands. The leather will soften over time as it breaks in but not to worry, before it does you'll still be able to enjoy a few good flicks with your new reins.

At 48", these reins are more than are appropriate for walking your pony or riding atop your pony. However, many may find they're too short to use with your pony while on a sulky. The shorter length keeps your pony from moving too far out of your reach and prevents spirited behavior while allowing some intimacy in a closer proximity.

Leading: When leading your pony with one rein, make sure to be in front of them and a little toward the left. Be wary to not pull your pony's head down and if using the reins with a bit be advised that it can be uncomfortable for your pony to walk with their head down and a bit in their mouth.

Driving: While driving directly behind your pony with both reins, make sure to hold one rein in each hand to communicate clearly.

Lunging: As these reins are only 48", stand in a spot and have your pony circle around you. Keeping the reins slack may not be possible but keep in mind that a taut lunge line is what calls the pony to you.

Moving forward: Flicking the reins lightly will signify your pony to walk forward. If you would like for your pony to go faster, voice commands or flicking the reins are useful methods but be advised that flicking the reins while leading your pony may painful.

Moving backward: Make sure to always halt your pony before you have them move backward. While driving, be sure to pull back evenly and slowly on both reins until they start to move backward.

Slowing Down & Stopping: Pull back on both reins evenly and slowly until your pony is at a slower pace or has stopped completely.

The Leather Riding Reins also double as a flogger. The tender flesh of any bottom will easily bare the marks of the end of these reins. They do have bite, not only because of the unfinished edges but of the 3/4" thin width and 1/8" thickness.

Both Trainers and Ponies will agree, these are a fine set of reins and will serve their purpose well. Whether or not you intend to use these with a pony, feel free to go ahead and take the reins!

Reins are the key to communication with your pony, they're used to give commands and cues. Various commands may signal a turn, ask for a slower speed, request a halt or rein back. Communication is key within any relationship and especially important while you train your pony. Just remember, verbal guidance is still encouraged before your pony understands your rein commands.