Buying Tips & Cleaning

Temper

All reins are tightly twisted and not spongy. The temper refers to the core inside the rein and how much movement the rein has. All reins will soften over time and use ending up at the "most flexible" option. All reins are handmade and this is a general guideline to get your rein closest to your riding style. There are 4 temper options - most flexible, flexible, firm and extra firm.

Most Flexible - Temper with the most movement. It is the most pliable.

Flexible - Is our standard temper. Nice drape and ties on easily. Medium range of movement and pliability.

Firm - Little movement but still has great drape. Firm is considered stiff.

Extra Firm - Very little movement but still has great drape. A rein with this temper when bent it will hold its shape. Extra firm is considered very stiff.

Length

Mecates and Get Downs - measured without the popper

Loop/Trail Reins: measured with the rein connectors (bit to bit). If ordering without rein connectors the length will be the total length of the rein that you ordered(your rein connectors will add extra length to the rein).

Split Reins: measured with the split rein popper and the rein connector. If ordering without rein connectors the length will be the total length of the rein and the popper (your rein connectors will add extra length to the rein).

4 or 6 Strand

The diameter is the same in either the 4 or 6 strand. Example - If purchasing a 5/8" mecate the diameter will be 5/8" in either the 4 or 6 strand mecate. The difference between the 4 or the 6 strand option is the size of the strands. The strands are bigger in the 4 strand rein giving it more texture in your hand. The strands are smaller in the 6 strand rein make it smoother.

Weather

If you live in a humid climate we recommend going with the "most flexible" temper. Moisture effects all natural fiber reins and causes the rein to constrict and stiffen. If reins get wet they will stiffen but come back as soon as they dry. To dry hang in large coils in a warm place.

Cleaning

Spot clean with a wet cloth. If a deeper cleaning is needed fill the sink with medium temperature water. Submerge rein in the water making sure that all the rein gets covered. Reins get very stiff when they are wet but will soften when dry.