Click here to go directly to types of reins

Reins made with Double Braid rope are excellent communication tools - great for natural horsemanship methods. Double braid rope is constructed with a braided cover over a separate braided core – a rope inside of a rope. This gives it a special "feel" and makes it heavier than regular rope so it communicates your cues better. This construction also allows for eye splicing and back splicing so reins can be finished in a wide variety of styles. 

Custom order a set of reins that will be different than everyone else's!  I can add decorative knots and braided trim to any set of reins to coordinate with your other equipment or just to make them special!  

(Many of the pictures on this page are thumbnails so click on them to enlarge the image.)

Click here to see knots and braided trim options and pictures of custom reins.

I can make reins in any length. I usually have some basic styles in stock in standard lengths of 8’, 9’ and 10’ in the 1/2" double braid polyester.  Since there is such a wide range of personal preference for reins as to length and style, I make most reins as they are ordered.  The rope options are listed below or go to the About the Rope page for more details.  I make most reins in the 1/2" size but I carry 3/8" double braid for those who like thinner, lighter weight reins and 5/8" and 3/4" double braid for those who want something more substantial.  I have lots of different styles to choose from but if you don't see what you are looking for, let me know and I'll see if I can make it for you. 

Artcraft Braid Rope

This rope is manufactured in the USA and is designed specifically for the equine industry.  It is excellent rope!  This is the rope I use for trainer product lines and my own equipment.

3/8" ArtcraftBraid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

1/2" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, 

[Pink coming soon]

Pattern: Violet Combo*, Neon Combo

*the raspberry yarn in the combo is polypropylene, not polyester

5/8" ArtcraftBraid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

3/4" ArtcraftBraid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

Clearance Rope

The following rope is now on clearance.  There is nothing wrong with the rope - I am simply reducing my stock to simplify my product line.  Artcraft Braid manufactures excellent rope and cord in such a wide variety of types and colors that eventually I will carry only that brand.  Clearance rope is available while supplies last. 

1/2" Samson Stable Braid

White with Blue Tracer

1/2" RJ Polypropylene/Polyester Double Braid

Solid: Pink, Purple

5/8" Polypropylene/Nylon Double Braid

Solid: Black, Raspberry

Click here for more details About the Rope

 Lace Options for Custom Trim

Kangaroo Leather Lace: 

Black, Natural, Burgundy, Brown

Calf Leather Lace:  

Black, Medium Brown

1/8" Artcraft Lacing Cord:

Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry, White, 

Neon Green

Coming soon: Neon Orange, Silver, Navy, Pink 

1/8" Polypropylene Lacing Cord:

black, white, pacific blue, royal blue, red, yellow, kelly green, navy, maroon, gold, hunter green, pink, purple, raspberry, turquoise, lime

Click here for more details About the Custom Trim

MECATE REINS

Plain or Fancy Styles

Many different styles and options

• Styles to be used with slobber straps or tied onto a halter or bosal

• Styles with leather or rope connectors

• Styles with spliced in snaps

Including Feather Weight Lines

The possibilities are endless!

MECATE REINS

Mecate Reins (pronounced Meh-Cah’-Tee) originate from the Spanish Vaqueros. It is one length of rope (or braided leather or horse hair) usually around 22’ long that is tied to a bosal or halter - or it can be used with slobber straps - making a loop for your reins and leaving a length as a lead rope. The rein and lead rope length can be adjusted – the longer the lead rope, the shorter the reins and visa versa. It is a great tool for training. Wrap the lead rope around the saddle horn or tuck the end into your belt while you are riding - it is already attached if you need to get off to do some ground work. And you have a built in lead rope to lead your horse somewhere without using the reins or to tie him up if needed (there is a method of looping the reins around his neck so you aren’t tying him with the bit when using slobber straps).

I can make mecate reins in any length in a variety of styles. All styles have one end finished with a leather popper attached with an eye spliced loop (just like my lead ropes).  I can add custom braiding or ring knots near the popper end.  

Choose Mecate Reins from the following styles:

Pineapple Knot/Tassel

This is the most decorative and unique style. The end is finished with a braided pineapple knot and tassel. The knot can be braided with lacing cord, calf leather lace or kangaroo leather lace. Choose 2 colors to show off the intricate details of this beautiful knot.  The tassel will be lacing cord (1 to 4 colors) to match the rope or coordinate with the knot. You can also choose to have just the knot and no tassel.

These knots are fairly large and may not fit through slobber straps but the popper end can be threaded through on both straps.

Turkshead Knot/Tassel

A little pizzazz but still economical. The end is finished with a tripled turkshead knot (like my lead rope button) with 1 to 3 colors or a doubled turkshead knot with 2 colors.  Add a tassel to either one using 1 - 4 colors to match the rope or coordinate with the rope and the knot. 

I do not make turkshead knots with kangaroo or calf leather lace.

Leather Lace

Plain and simple - the end is backspliced and finished with a small piece of leather lace - this is not a popper, just a bit of trim to make a nice finish.

The backsplice makes the rope less flexible so wrapping the knot must start about 6" from the end of the rope.

Click here for more details About the Custom Trim

More pictures ...

Prices for Mecate Reins

Mecate Reins are priced at 22' but I can make them any length you want.

For custom lengths:  

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope;    ± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.75/ft for 3/4" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.  

22' Length

*Only the rope portion of items made with clearance rope is discounted.

Pineapple Knot made with Kangaroo Lace:  add $5.00; with Calf Lace:  add $3.00

For Pineapple Knot or Turkshead Knot Only - no tassel:  subtract $5.50

Loop reins are the style of choice for most natural horsemanship methods. They make it easy to give immediate release. You don’t have to worry about dropping a split rein or deal with the extra rope of a mecate all the time. They also make great sport reins for all sorts of gaming activities.

I can add braided trim or ring knots to any style of loop reins – for decoration or to mark specific places on the rein to aid in training the horse or the rider. Many customers request a center knot marker so they won't have to look down – they can feel when their reins are centered.

All my reins are finished with either a back splice or eye splice. These are both durable methods of terminating the end of a rope and so much more attractive than simply melting the ends.

I can make loop reins in any length (5’ minimum for splicing requirements). Since this is a hand-made product, there may be slight variations during the splicing process. The actual length of your reins will be within 2 - 3" of the length you request. If you want your reins to be a very specific, exact length, please let me know and I will do my best to make it so.

I have several different styles of loop reins.  Click on the links or scroll down the page to see all types.

Loop Reins to be used with Slobber Straps or tied onto a Bosal or Rope Halter

Loop Reins with Rope or Leather Connectors

Loop Reins with Spliced in Scissor Snaps

Prices are listed at the bottom of each section.  I have prices listed for 10' reins in styles that will be tied onto something (useable length ends up about 9') and 9' reins in styles that have connectors.  But again, I can make reins in any length.  To figure the cost for other lengths, just add or subtract the "per foot" cost for the type of rope that you want.  Call or email if you have any questions about pricing or customization.

If you are also ordering a halter to tie loop reins onto, please let me know how you plan to attach your reins.  If you want to attach them above the fiador knot, I will have to make the halter differently so there will be enough space to tie on without making the nose area too small.  If you plan to tie your reins onto your halter through the loops below the fiador knot,  I will make these a little larger than usual. (With this method, you can take your reins off and use it as a regular halter.)  I can send instructions for tying reins onto a halter, using both methods. (How-To page on website coming ....sometime.)

Turkshead Knot Buttons

Rein ends are finished with decorative braided knots of lacing cord. When the Turkshead knot is tripled, you can choose up to 3 colors for the knot.  When the Turkshead knot is doubled, you can choose 1 or 2 colors.  The diameter of the knot is about 1" (on 1/2" rope) so it should fit in most slobber strap holes if they also have a slit.

This style is made only with lacing cord, not kangaroo or calf leather lace.

 Two different styles of Turkshead Knot Buttons       

Turkshead Knots and Tassels

Rein ends are finished with decorative braided knots and tassels of lacing cord. Choose up to 4 colors for the tassel, 2 colors for the knot.  This is a fairly large knot but is only doubled to keep the diameter of the knot about 1" (on 1/2" rope) with the tassel, so it should still fit in most slobber strap holes if they also have a good sized slit.

This style is made only with lacing cord, not kangaroo or calf leather lace.

Pineapple Knot Buttons

Rein ends are finished with medium sized pineapple knot buttons. Choose two colors to show off the detail of this intricate knot. (These knots should fit through most slobber strap holes if they have a good sized slit.  They may be too large to fit through some slobber straps. I make my leather slobber straps with a long slit to accommodate these knots. I would also suggest going with my rope slobber straps and you will have no problems with larger knots.)

This style can be made with kangaroo or calf leather knots but the price will be much higher - larger knots are needed plus the cost of the lace is much higher.

Pineapple Knots and Tassels

Large size pineapple knots are used to accommodate the tassel - same size as those on mecates. With this style, you can have the pineapple knot braided with lacing cord, calf or kangaroo lace but the tassel will be made of lacing cord.

The price will be higher for knots made with kangaroo or calf leather lace.

Braided Fobs

Rein ends are backspliced then finished with a small length of braided lacing cord. These are great for those who aren’t the tassel or fancy knot type but want a simple, uniquely finished end.

The backsplice makes the rope less flexible so wrapping/tying the knot must start about 6" from the end of the rope.

Leather Lace

Reins are backspliced then finished with a small length of leather lace. This is not a popper, just a bit of trim to make a nice finish.

The backsplice makes the rope less flexible so wrapping/tying the knot must start about 6" from the end of rope.

Plain

Reins are backspliced with no additional trim.  Plain and simple!

The backsplice makes the rope less flexible so wrapping/tying the knot must start about 6" from the end of rope.

More pictures...

Prices for Loop Reins to be used with Slobber Straps or tied onto a Bosal or Rope Halter

Reins are priced at 10' but I can make them any length you want (5' minimum)

For custom lengths:  

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope;    ± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.75/ft for 3/4" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.  

10' Length

*Only the rope portion of items made with clearance rope is discounted.

Large Pineapple Knots of Kangaroo Leather Lace: add $11.00 to price of reins;

  of Calf Leather Lace: add $7.00 to price of reins

10' Length

*Only the rope portion of items made with clearance rope is discounted.

Substitute Large Pineapple Knots of Kangaroo Leather Lace:  add $30.00 to price of reins;     of Calf Leather Lace:  add $26.00 to price of reins

10' Length

*Only the rope portion of items made with clearance rope is discounted.

click here for more information About the Leather

click here to see 1/4" & 9/32" rope options 

Button Loops

A quick, easy way to attach reins to bits or halter loops without having to deal with leather maintenance or hardware.

Reins are eye spliced. Button loops are made of matching (or contrasting) 1/4" or 9/32" rope with a crown knot button tied on one end and a sliding ring knot to close the button hole. You can change the way you loop them through the bit ring (figure 8 or simple loop) and therefore change the wear pattern.  The loop end with the sliding knot should fit through any bit ring.  I can make them shorter if you are using a full cheek snaffle so they won't interfere with the bars.

For a unique set of reins,  customize with fancy Lone Star Knot Buttons instead of the crown knots. Button Loops can also be permanently attached to the eye loops of the reins if you prefer.  

Braided Buckle Straps

These are made of braided lacing cord and can be custom ordered in any color combination.  They act as mini slobber straps and create a hinge with the reins.  They are attached through eye loops and are available in 2 styles:

- Permanently attached with a braided ring knot

- Removable by using a wire loop keeper.  

There are no set holes in the strap so you can adjust the length of your reins by making the straps longer or shorter.  Choose solid brass or nickel plated buckle.  Straps are about 5/8" wide with a 7 plait braid; 3/4" wide with a 9 plait braid.

Leather Buckle Straps

These act as mini slobber straps and create a hinge with the eye loops of the reins. Leather buckle straps are attached through the eye loops and are available in 3 styles:

-Double heart (semi- permanently attached - you have to know how to do the double heart weave to re-attach them.)

-Leather laces (easy to remove for cleaning) 

-Chicago screw (easy to remove for cleaning) - picture coming soon 

They are made of 5/8" wide, heavy weight leather with either a solid brass or nickel-plated conway buckle closure.  Use with or without snaps.

Can be purchased separately on the Rein Connector Page .... coming soon.

Leather Water Straps

The most economical method I make for attaching reins to bits.  Reins are backspliced, then the leather water straps are attached to the reins with leather laces that go through the end of the rope. They are made of 5/8" wide, heavy weight leather. Attach to bits, or add snaps, by untying/tying the leather laces - but be careful not to pull the laces out of the rope.  These can be used with or without the brass or nickel scissor snaps that I carry for reins.  Make sure to keep the laces tied snuggly so the pull will be on the rope, not the leather laces.

Prices for Loop Reins with Rope or Leather Connectors

Reins are priced at 9' but I can make them any length you want (5' minimum)

For custom lengths:  

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope;    ± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.75/ft for 3/4" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.  

9' Reins with Braided Buckle Straps

For permanently attached Braided Buckle Straps:  add $6.00 to cost of reins

9' Reins with Rope Button Loops or Leather Buckle Straps

Substitute Lone Star Knot instead of Crown Knot: add $10.00 per knot

For permanently attached Button Loops:  add $8.00 to cost of reins

9' Reins with Leather Water Straps

Choose brass or nickel scissor snaps for reins.  Both are swivel snaps so your reins will not get twisted.

click here for more information About the Hardware

Prices for Loop Reins with Spliced In Snaps

Reins are priced at 9' but I can make them any length you want (5' minimum)

For custom lengths:  

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope;    ± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $1.75/ft for 3/4" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid;  ± $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.  

9' Length

Split reins can be finished in the same manner as loop reins so please refer to the descriptions and pictures in the Loop Reins section. I can make split reins in any length, but the usual lengths are 8’ for styles that are to be used with slobber straps or tied onto a halter or bosal and 7’ for styles to be attached directly to a bit, sidepull etc. with connectors or snaps. You also have the option of a popper on the end, braided fobs, leather lace trim or just a plain backsplice. Keep in mind that split reins have 4 ends to be finished (opposed to 2 ends with loop reins) so they are more labor intensive to make and are therefore quite a bit more expensive.

I can add any amount of braided trim or ring knots to split reins, as well.

Driving Reins:  Whether you are doing groundwork or driving a cart, I can make driving reins for you in any length. Have a set of "feather weight" lines made with 1/4" or 9/32" rope (similar to Parelli's Feather Line)  or choose 3/8" or 1/2" rope for a more substantial feel.  I can make them with a button end for easy on/off or eye spliced loops for direct attachment or if you want to be able to add or take off snaps. I can also splice in snaps permanently - your choice of scissor snaps or medium bolt snaps, both in brass or nickel-plate. The other end will be finished with a leather popper attached through an eye spliced loop, just like my lead ropes and strings.

click here for more information About the Hardware

Please call or email for a quote on 7' or 8' split reins.  Since the possibilities are almost endless, there are too many options to list here.  

Prices for Driving Reins 

Driving Reins are priced at 22' & 25' but I can make them any length 

 (Parelli's Feather Lines are 22'.)

For custom lengths:  

± $.40/ft for /1/4" and 9/32" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope

± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid rope

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope

± $1.35/ft for 5/8" Artcraft Braid rope

± $.30/ft for other 1/4" clearance rope

± $.75/ft for other 1/2" clearance rope

Prices are subject to change without notice.  

22' Length - Price per set of 2

25' Length - Price per set of 2

Make your reins unique by adding custom trim!  I have several options for ring knots, braided knots and longer braided trim sections.  Create your own combination of knots and trim to coordinate with a bosalter or other equipment - saddle pad, bridle, browband, etc.  Or just add a simple ring knot to mark the center of your reins - a handy little item!

I can add trim to loop reins or split reins.  For mecate reins, since the rein section may vary in length, I can only add trim to the lead rope section near the popper end.

Knots and braided trim for reins are shown below.  All knots and trim can be braided with 1/8" lacing cord.  Some knots are also available in kangaroo or calf leather lace.  Prices are listed with each individual knot and are subject to change without notice.

click here for more information about knots and braided trim

 Lace Options for Custom Trim

Kangaroo Leather Lace: 

Black, Natural, Burgundy, Brown

Calf Leather Lace:  

Black, Medium Brown

1/8" Artcraft Lacing Cord:

Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry, White, 

Neon Green

Coming soon: Neon Orange, Silver, Navy, Pink 

1/8" Polypropylene Lacing Cord:

black, white, pacific blue, royal blue, red, yellow, kelly green, navy, maroon, gold, hunter green, pink, purple, raspberry, turquoise, lime

Small Ring Knot (Spanish Ring Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$3.00 Lacing Cord

$7.50 Kangaroo Lace

$5.50 Calf Leather Lace

Medium Ring Knot (Headhunter Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$4.00 Lacing Cord

$7.50 Kangaroo Lace

$5.50 Calf Leather Lace

Doubled Turk's Head Knot (5p/4b)

Best on 1/2" rope

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Hearringbone Knot  

Best on 1/2" rope

Choose 2 colors per knot

$6.00 Lacing Cord

Tripled Turk's Head Knot (5p/4b)

Best on 5/8" and 3/4" rope

Choose up to 3 colors per knot

$8.00 Lacing Cord

picture coming soon

Small 2-bite Cowboy Knot (2p2b) 

about 1 1/2" long

a more open braid on 1/2" & 5/8"

not recommended on 3/4" rope

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Double weave Braid with core

Double weave Braid without core

Medium 2-bite Cowboy Knot (4p2b) 

about 3" long when closely braided

a more open braid is about 4" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$8.00 Lacing Cord

Long 2-bite Cowboy Knot  (6p2b)

about 4 1/2" long when tightly braided

a more open braid is about 6" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$12.50 Lacing Cord

Extra Long 2-bite Cowboy Knot (8p2b) 

about 6" long when tightly braided

a more open braid is about 8" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$18.00 Lacing Cord

Small 3-bite Cowboy Knot  

about 2" long (a little less for leather lace)

a tighter braid on 1/2" 

best for 5/8" & 3/4" rope

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$ 9.00   Lacing Cord

$14.00  Kangaroo Lace

$11.50  Calf Leather Lace

Double weave Braid in Lacing Cord

Interweave Braid in Kangaroo Lace

Medium Pineapple Knot (5 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$13.50 Lacing Cord

$18.50 Kangaroo Lace

$16.00 Calf Leather Lace

Large Pineapple Knot (7 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$22.50 Lacing Cord

$28.00 Kangaroo Lace

$26.00 Calf Leather Lace

(This size is ideal for knots made with kangaroo or calf leather lace.  The knot is larger when made with lacing cord and is generally used with tassels but can be braided onto reins where a longer/larger knot is desired.)

Calf Leather Lace   Kangaroo Lace