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[RC] Safety factor of Biothane tack/yacht rope reins - Karen Casemier

Last week, my husband got dumped by his young gelding (something that happens on a somewhat regular basis!), and his horse took off running, got his leg through the reins, and proceeded to break the reins as he ran. This is the second set of reins he's broken that way - but the good news is, he was wearing a standard leather English bridle and standard leather reins both times, so they DID break.

Made me start thinking - how safe is the biothane halter/bridle combo I use, and the yacht rope reins that I love? I'm a firm believe in hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, and I know that as far as spontaneous dismounts go, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. What would happen if my mare got her leg through the yacht rope reins - would they give at the snaps that connect to the bit (when I ride in a bit) or the side pull rings, or would she proceed to get a nasty rope burn or worse? I also don't think that any parts on the bridle would break either.

I don't have a problem switching to a leather halter/bridle combo, but I absolutely LOVE those reins - I have some permanent nerve damage that affects my right hand, and those reins are so much easier for me to hold than the standard, thinner leather reins. Because it is a nice single rope, I can also use it as a lead rope at vet checks. What to do? I've thought about rigging up a little leather loop that goes from the bit to the rein snaps instead of snapping directly to the bit.

Just wondered what those of you who have been riding in this stuff for a lot longer than me have experienced in regards to the "breakability" and related safety of the non-leather tack.

Thanks!

Karen and Mazzie

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