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RE: [RC] Safety factor of Biothane tack/yacht rope reins - Jim Holland

I use Biothane and yacht rope reins.  Be sure your reins have "bridal
snaps". They WILL break...the yacht rope won't.  Actually, I would prefer it
didn't, because if the horse is trained to react properly, it's not a
problem:

Drop his head, stop, and back up on poll pressure. (For example, when he
steps on a rein)

Ground tie.

When he gets tangled up in something, STOP....and wait for me to "fix it".

Deal with a saddle underneath his belly and ropes around his legs.

Deal with ME underneath his belly and legs.

Deal with "sloppy dismounts", and my body and legs hanging all over his neck
and head. (Ask him to drop his head with poll pressure and "sit" on it)

When I come off for whatever reason, my guys stand there and look down at me
with this "curious" expression. <grin>

Jim, Sun of Dimanche+, and Mahada Magic

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-
owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Karen Casemier
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 9:09 AM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] Safety factor of Biothane tack/yacht rope reins

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