How to Use Mecate Reins

Mecate reins are made from synthetic rope or horsehair and are closed or looped rather than split. They are typically 22 to 25 feet long and used with a snaffle bit. Effective use of mecate reins can teach a horse to neck rein quickly while helping the rider to develop "light" control of a horse's mouth -- but without proper setup and handling, they can be dangerous and counterproductive. Before riding with mecate reins for the first time, practice handling them since the thick closed rope feels different than traditional split leather reins.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle with snaffle bit
  • Slobber straps
  • Masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the slobber straps through the snaffle bit rings and slide the end of the mecate reins through all four holes in the slobber straps, working from left to right. Leave about 6 inches of rein through the right slobber strap. Use a half-hitch knot to securely tie the excess rein on the right and left slobber straps. Start by looping the excess rein on the outside of the slobber straps under the strap and toward the center. Weave it over the top of the strap and then back through the rein loop.

    • 2

      Bridle and mount the horse. Determine the correct midpoint of the reins by grasping the reins with your left hand and pulling back until you touch your sternum. Adjust the rein length until you make light contact with the horse's mouth. Place a piece of masking tape on the midpoint of the reins between your hands. This marks the point where you will give the reins slack when the horse yields to the reins. It also ensures that you will have reins of equal length.

    • 3

      Ride the horse at a slow walk on a loose rein; keep your rein hand around the rein midpoint and rest your rein hand on the horse's withers. Stop the horse by drawing the excess rein back through your left hand while pulling the slack with your right hand. Ensure that you can do this smoothly before trotting or cantering.

    • 4

      Dismount and loosen the end of the reins. This excess can be used as a lead, tie or longe line. Practice safely tying the horse by looping the reins into a figure eight and pulling them over the horse's head. Wrap the end of the rope around all four sections and pull it through itself. Form two half-hitch knots with the end of the lead rope. Tie the free end to a secure object. If the horse pulls, this will not put pressure on his mouth.