What Are Barrel Reins Used For?

Reins are the piece of equipment that connects the rider's hands to the horse's mouth. Reins are used to convey commands directly to the horse, allowing the rider to effectively control the animal by telling it when to stop and turn. There are several different styles of reins that are used in various horseback riding disciplines. Barrel reins are primarily used for the rodeo sport of barrel racing.

  1. Purpose

    • Barrel reins are designed with a specific purpose in mind. The large, soft, braided reins are easy to hold onto while participating in barrel racing, which is a speed event. Riders do not have to worry as much about dropping the one-piece reins because they will simply land on the horse's neck, rather than hitting the ground and risking being tangled in the horse's legs. Roping reins are very similar to barrel reins, though there are some subtle differences between the two.

    Design

    • Barrel racing reins are one-piece reins without a center buckle or split. They have metal snaps on both ends to allow for easy attachment and removal from the bit and bridle. They average between 6 and 8 feet long.

    Material

    • Barrel racing reins are normally made from braided nylon, basic rope or other synthetic materials. Some barrel reins may be made using braided leather, though these are rarer because leather can rub a rider's hands raw far more quickly than softer synthetic materials will. Braided reins are made with up to 10 strands of braided nylon, often with knots set at intervals along the reins to keep rider's hands from slipping on the reins.

    Color

    • Barrel reins are typically made in bright colors, purchased to match saddle pads, leg wraps and bright colored bridles. Since barrel racing is a rodeo event, bright colored tack is allowed and even encouraged, unlike in other riding disciplines. Reins can be one solid color or several different colors.