Next big project Romal Reins and I have some questions.

[megabit]

Next big thing I want to tackle is a set or two of romal reins. I plan on ordering Hought's romal book for some guidance. I have 3 of her books and find them useful but frequently confusing. The very detailed over n under n around the end... gets tedious to me. It helped early on but now I would rather she made a clear break between the foundation knot and the interweave, so that it would be easier to just jump to the interweave. The list of needed materials and measurements are sure handy though.

I am going to go a bit against the trend with this first set at any rate, I am planning on using 4 plait for the reins body. I want a using pair not a wall hanger. Ed Connell has a couple of drawings in "Bridles and Bits" and recomends 4 plait 42" with 18" of knots for using gear. I know there are several traditional knot patterns, is there a reference for the patterns anywhere?

What do you guys mostly use for core? I don't know that I will use a core for the body at just 4 plait, I am think like a reata. The romal will be 8 plait though and should have a core. I think Nate Wald uses rounded leather like belting. What about a braided rawhide core?

Thanks for your help,

Mike

Edited January 6, 2010 by megabit

[HorsehairBraider]

I will use just about anything for cores. (Well, OK - not baling twine. Usually.) I've used some nice cord I got at the hardware store, an old set of split reins that I split, rawhide, one strand of an old reata etc. I don't think there are any rules there, except that the romal needs to be a little heavy. Don't use a light-weight core for that.

I've seen a lot of different patterns for knots. What I would suggest for your first set is - pick one that you think, "Nah, that's too easy!" because by the time you get done tying them all, you'll be pretty happy with yourself for doing that. So use lots of ring knots, or some other knot you find easy.

I've currently got two sets of romals here, a leather set and a rawhide set, and if you like I'll take a pic of them for you. The leather set (which is hanging right next to the computer, it's a set I've got in for repair) has A LOT of knots on it. I would not suggest to tie that many, only because you'll be thinking "When will this ever end?!" and you want to be sure and have fun. Can't remember the knots on the rawhide set... they are out in the tack room. But you know, there are lots of pics of romal reins online.

I don't know what leather you are using for your 4-strand, but you *might* want to core the reins... OTOH, I do tend to over-engineer, always thinking "What if they break!?" I don't like being stuck in the middle of Nowhere with a busted set of reins. But sometimes, your leather is fine, and you just don't need it.

[megabit]

I've seen a lot of different patterns for knots. What I would suggest for your first set is - pick one that you think, "Nah, that's too easy!" because by the time you get done tying them all, you'll be pretty happy with yourself for doing that. So use lots of ring knots, or some other knot you find easy.

I found out that lots of ring knots is called California and lots of pineapples in called Oklahoma. I knew that there was California and Oklahoma but didn't know that the actual pattern and knot count wasn't really defined. I am inclined to go with the Oky pattern as I think that would provide a bit more weight.

I don't know what leather you are using for your 4-strand, but you *might* want to core the reins... OTOH, I do tend to over-engineer, always thinking "What if they break!?" I don't like being stuck in the middle of Nowhere with a busted set of reins. But sometimes, your leather is fine, and you just don't need it.

I'll be braiding in rawhide of course. I'am thinking that 4 strands of fairly thick rawhide about a 1/4" should give me something about the same as a reata. If it can hold a cow it should hold my pony by the mouth with a spade bit. If by some freak deal I did break them I would still have a bosalita and a getdown rope to use.

[HorsehairBraider]

Well in that case, no prob with strength issues! Sounds like you'd be safe in any eventuality.

I've seen some (store-bought) romal reins made from some pretty cheesy leather, that's why I worry.

I use a spade bit too on some of mine. When they are trained to it, it's the best bit in the world. I've got some that are hand made and really like them.

[FlatWaterCowboy]

I am also going to start my first pair of Romal Reins. I am wondering about not using a core. I may try using sash cord as a core also. To be honest so many of the reins I see made are too big and bulky. I am going to try using 1/8" wide string and an 8 strand braid. I traded for a set of 4 braid and the crosses are just too long. Can anyone see any problems with my plans? How long does a person cut his strings in order to come out with 42" body?? I like Gail Hought's book for the dimensions, but depend on Bryan Neubert's Videos for the braiding. Can anyone share the materials needed portion of Hought's braiding book?

I really enjoy this forum, a drink of water in the desert. Thank you all.

[KAW]

Megabit and FlatWaterCowboy You can use about anything for a core if you want a softer feel use leather a stiffer core use rawhide, braided or a single strand with the corners knocked off and rounded. I personally don't use a core on 8 strand reins and alot of 12 strand reins but use a core on all 16 strand round or flat , for a using rein I like 8 strand no core you need to leave some beef to your strings then round or pound them square,after you have it braided it all depend on the feel you wan't just remember to leave some beef to the string so it has some body to it they will shrink alot more than you think after you pound or round them that away they won't curl on you and you have alot of strenth in the string to braid it tightly bout 2/3 the width thick some times alittle more. Streach your braids tightly and let them dry good before you add your buttons 40 to 42 is fine with chains as far as button length and how many its up to You for feel and the balance you wan't and theres no way to tell exactly til you put a bridle together so my suggestion to you if you are building them for yourself put about 3/4 0f the buttons on then put your bridle together and ride it afew times and see if you like the feel if not add a few buttons or cut some off that way you get what YOU are looking for, Every person and every horse is different Cut you string about 10 feet and you will have enough it's always better to cut them a little long you can use the ends for buttons. Make you Romals to your liking it is nice if the button pattern matched the rein , but it doesn't have too. If they don't come out like you like make another til they do. hope this can help you guys, on second thought just chunk that braid shit and get some harness leather.

[rawhide1]

, on second thought just chunk that braid shit and get some harness leather.

Now thats funny!!!!!

I made a pair for my daughter shes 10. I used some leather belting that was 3/16th in dia. I braided it with 12 strands. I dont remember the width of the strings off of the top of my head but they were small and pretty thin. So they wouldn't hold up very well with a lot of hard using. But she just uses them at fun shows. And the dia. of the finished rein (3/8) fits her hand good.

Mike