Click here to go directly to Types of Reins

Reins made with double braid polyester 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 pictures on this page are thumbnails so click on them to enlarge the image.  Use your browser's Back button to return to the page.)

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" Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

1/2" Double Braid Polyester

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

Pattern: Violet Combo*, Neon Combo

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

5/8" Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

3/4" 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" RJ Polypropylene/Polyester Double Braid

Solid: Pink, Purple

5/8" Polypropylene/Nylon Double Braid

Solid: Black, Raspberry. Blue, Lime

Click here for more details About the Rope

Prices are listed at the end of each category.  

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 through 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 large pineapple knot - with or without a tassel. The knot can be braided with lacing cord, kangaroo leather lace or calf 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 and rope.

These knots are fairly large and may not fit through some leather slobber straps but the popper end can be threaded through on both straps.  (Check out my 1-piece or 2-piece leather slobber straps or my unique rope slobber straps - no problem getting these knots through any of those.)

I am phasing out kangaroo and calf lace so when my supply is gone, those options will no longer be available.

Turkshead Knot/Tassel

The Turkshead Knot is very decorative as well but not as complicated as the pineapple knot so it is a little more economical.  I make these only with polyester lacing cord.  Choose up to 4 colors for the tassel to match the rope or coordinate with the rope and the knot.  

Options for the knot - with or without a tassel:

M3 Knot - 1 to 3 colors

L2 Knot - 1 or 2 colors

You can also choose the Basic Button (BB) - a bigger bulkier button in 1 or 2 colors.  I do not offer a tassel with this button knot.

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 a bit less flexible so wrapping the knot may need to start about 6" from the end of the rope.

Click here for more details about knots, tassels, and other 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:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $1.35/ft for 5/8"

All other clearance rope ± :  $.50/ft 

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on 3/8" or 3/4" rope

22' Length

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

**Pineapple Knot made with Kangaroo Lace:  add $8.50; with Calf Lace:  add $6.50

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 - a handy little addition!

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.

Prices are listed at the bottom of each section.  

I have prices listed for 10' reins in styles that will be tied onto something and 9' reins in styles that have connectors.  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.

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

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. 

My new page Hackamore Sets, Bridle Sets, Natural Hackamores and "Build-your-own" Components will be up soon so visit that page to see all types of hackamore sets.

Since there are so many styles of reins in this category, I have listed the prices below each type of knot or end finish.  That way you won't have to scroll back and forth so much between the descriptions and prices.

Loop Reins in this category are priced at 10' but I can make them any length you want.

For custom lengths:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $1.35/ft for 5/8"

All other clearance rope ± :  $.50/ft 

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on 3/8" or 3/4" rope

Pineapple Knots and Tassels

Large pineapple knots are used to enclose the tassel strands.  This is the same knot/tassel as described above on mecates. With this style, you can have the pineapple knot braided with lacing cord, kangaroo or calf lace but the tassel will be made of lacing cord.

I am phasing out kangaroo and calf lace so when my supply is gone, those options will no longer be available.

Pineapple Knot Buttons

Rein ends can be finished with large or medium sized pineapple knot buttons. Choose two colors to show off the detail of this intricate knot. 

The medium knots should fit through most slobber strap holes with slits - the large size will need straps with longer slits.  I make my leather slobber straps with a long slit to accommodate these knots. I would also suggest my rope slobber straps and you will have no problems with larger knots.

This style of knots can be made with kangaroo or calf leather lace - while my supply lasts.  I am phasing out the leather laces.  Note that the large pineapple knot in kangaroo or calf leather is about the same size as a medium pineapple knot in the lacing cord.  

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

**Pineapple Knot made with Kangaroo Lace:  add $8.50; with Calf Lace:  add $6.50

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.  

Options for the knot:

M2 Knot - 1 or 2 colors

M3 Knot - 1 to 3 colors

L2 Knot - 1 or 2 colors

The L2 or M3 knots are better for tassels but the M2 is a good choice if you need a smaller knot to fit through your slobber straps.

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

Turkshead Knot Buttons

Same options as above - just without the tassel.

Options:

M2 Button - 1 or 2 colors

M3 Button - 1 to 3 colors

L2 Button - 1 or 2 colors

The diameter of the M2 button is about 1" (on 1/2" rope) so it should fit through most slobber strap holes if they also have a slit.  The M3 and L2 buttons are a little bigger.

You can also choose the Basic Button (BB) - a bigger bulkier button in 1 or 2 colors. (Same button as on my lead ropes)

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

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

Herringbone Knots and Tassels

While the pineapple knot is better for tassels, you can choose the medium herringbone knot if you want the interweave pattern in a smaller sized knot to fit through smaller slobber straps.  Choose 2 colors for the knot, up to 4 colors for the tassel.  

Herringbone Knot Buttons

This button gives you the interweave pattern in a relatively small size - same as above but without the tassel.

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

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 the fine leather lace - it is similar in thickness to the popper leather but only about 1/4" wide. 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.

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

More pictures...

braided fobs, crown knot rope slobber straps	M2 Turkshead knots and tassels	M2 Turkshead buttons, leather slobber straps -  medium cowboy knots and turkshead knot trim	M2 Turkshead buttons, leather slobber straps (same as tan reins but in opposite colors)
M2 Turkshead knots and tassels	Leather lace ends, leather slobber straps	L2 Turkshead knots and tassels on 5/8" rope	Medium pineapple knots and center herringbone knot
M2 Turkshead knots and tassels	L2 Turkshead knots and tassels

click here for more information About the Leather

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

ROPE CONNECTORS

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.  The eye loops on the ends of the rope are small enough so the crown knot button will not fall through but the loops are "loose" so you can change the way you attach 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 most bit rings.  I can make them shorter if you are using a full cheek snaffle so they won't interfere with the bars.

Button Loops can also be permanently attached using an additional ring knot if you prefer. 

For a unique set of reins,  customize with fancy Lone Star Knot Buttons or Pineapple Knot Buttons instead of the crown knots! 

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 at the ends of the rope 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 it is easy to adjust the straps to get your reins just the length you want.  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.

Loop Reins with Rope Connectors are priced at 9' but I can make them any length you want.(5' minimum)

For custom lengths:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $1.35/ft for 5/8"

All other clearance rope ± :  $.50/ft 

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on 3/8" or 3/4" rope

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

Substitute Lone Star Knot or Medium Pineapple Knot instead of Crown Knot on Button Loops:   add $12.00 per knot (adds $24.00 to total cost of the reins)

LEATHER CONNECTORS

Buckle Strap Loops

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

-Double heart (semi- permanently attached - you have to know how to do the double heart braid 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.

Buckle Water Straps

New Product!  

These are a combination of the buckle strap loops described above and the water straps described below.  They have the conway buckle for easy on/off and are permanently attached to backspliced reins.  Lacing cord goes through the rope and the leather straps and is secured with a double overhand knot.

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.

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.

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

For custom lengths:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $1.35/ft for 5/8"

All other clearance rope ± :  $.50/ft 

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on 3/8" or 3/4" rope

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

The usual choice of snaps is brass or nickel scissor snaps but I also have medium brass or nickel bolt snaps if you want a longer snap.  Both types are swivel snaps so your reins will not get twisted and they all have about the same size opening for attaching to the bit, etc.

click here for more information About the Hardware

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

For custom lengths:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $1.35/ft for 5/8"

All other clearance rope ± :  $.50/ft 

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on 3/8" or 3/4" rope

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

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 (short or long) 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' but I can make them any length 

 (Parelli's Feather Lines are 22'.)

For custom lengths:  

Artcraft ± :   $1.00/ft for 1/2";  $.75/ft for 3/8";  $.40/ft for 1/4" (or 9/32")

Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1 2013.

After that, call or email for current prices.

 Call or email for pricing on clearance rope and other options

Price for a 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 ring knot to mark the center of your reins - simple but useful!

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.

Scroll down to see lots of pictures of trimmed reins after individual knots. Or click here to go directly to the pictures.

 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, Coral Pink, White, 

Neon Green, Neon Orange, Silver, Navy 

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

Trim Options for Reins

The following knots are available on 1/2" and 5/8" rope.  Call for availability and pricing for options on other diameters.

Patterns are indicated as such:  

DW for Doubleweave

IW for Interweave

The examples are braided with lacing cord unless otherwise noted.

Click here for more detailed descriptions of the knots and braided trim

Small Ring Knot  

Choose 1 color per knot

$3.00 Lacing Cord

Medium Ring Knot

Choose 1 color per knot

$4.00 Lacing Cord

Turkshead Knot - M2

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$6.00 Lacing Cord

with core

without core

Herringbone Knot - Medium 

Choose 2 colors per knot

$7.00 Lacing Cord

Small Cowboy Knot  

about 1 1/2" long

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$6.00 Lacing Cord - DW

$7.00 Lacing Cord - IW

Doubleweave

Doubleweave 

Medium Cowboy Knot  

about 3 - 4" long 

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$ 9.00 Lacing Cord - DW

$10.50 Lacing Cord - IW

without core

with core

Long Cowboy Knot  

about 5 - 6" long 

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$14.00 Lacing Cord - DW

$16.00 Lacing Cord - IW

Extra Long Cowboy Knot  

about 7 -8" long 

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$21.00 Lacing Cord - DW

$24.00 Lacing Cord - IW

3-bite Cowboy Knot  

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

a tighter braid on 1/2"; best choice for 5/8" 

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$10.50  Lacing Cord - DW

$12.00  Lacing COrd - IW

$16.50  Kangaroo Lace

$14.00  Calf Leather Lace

On 5/8" rope - Doubleweave 

On 5/8" Rope - Interweave

Kangaroo Lace on 1/2" rope - Interweave

Medium Pineapple Knot (5 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$16.00 Lacing Cord

$22.00 Kangaroo Lace

$19.50 Calf Leather Lace

(Knots made with kangaroo or calf lace are much smaller than those made with lacing cord.)

Large Pineapple Knot (7 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$24.50 Lacing Cord

$33.00 Kangaroo Lace

$31.00 Calf Leather Lace

(This size is ideal for knots made with kangaroo or calf leather lace.  Note that the large pineapple in kangaroo or calf lace is about the same size as the medium pineapple in lacing cord.)