Weighted Split Reins

[Ken Nelson]

I use the 16+oz HO Harness that Panhandle Leather sells.   It has a lot of body, is long and clean.  I put the butt end on the bridle end as it has less stretch, in my opinion,.  they are heavy and when they get broke in, have a really good feel and last forever if you don't try to halter break broncs with them.  Some people put the neck end on the bit and I wouldn't have a problem with that but the guy that I build for wants them the other way.  In Eastern NM, I am hearing a lot of the cowboys are going to the two layered and stitched Latigo reins and claim they have a wonderful feel to them.  Never used them myself but I would make them if someone wanted me to. Reins need to "break in"  and if they feel just right when they are new, there is a chance they will seem like a rag when they do get broke in.  All a matter of personal preference.  

[bruce johnson]

I made a bunch of doubled latigo reins, mostly split reins but a few single reins too.  At the time a lot of harness reins were a bulk production deal and enough imports I didn't want to compete with. Most I sold direct and some through resellers. I got 7/8 sides and doubled them up. I kept them paired thoughout even though maybe not necessary. I added a third piece sandwiched at the bottom as a popper and for weight. The butt of the hide was my bit end. After I edged them off I did a 5 second or so dip in olive oil.  Olive oil added a little weight and "life", and is not greasy feeling.  I hung them for a day to soak up and then I worked them back and forth around a 2" panel pipe to break them in. Pretty much after that they felt the same forever. I made the loops out of heavy skirting I oiled and greased or harness. They went to weekend riders, working cowboys, trainers, and show arenas.

[NWBicketLeatherCollc]

On 12/19/2019 at 3:16 PM, bruce johnson said:

I made a bunch of doubled latigo reins, mostly split reins but a few single reins too.  At the time a lot of harness reins were a bulk production deal and enough imports I didn't want to compete with. Most I sold direct and some through resellers. I got 7/8 sides and doubled them up. I kept them paired thoughout even though maybe not necessary. I added a third piece sandwiched at the bottom as a popper and for weight. The butt of the hide was my bit end. After I edged them off I did a 5 second or so dip in olive oil.  Olive oil added a little weight and "life", and is not greasy feeling.  I hung them for a day to soak up and then I worked them back and forth around a 2" panel pipe to break them in. Pretty much after that they felt the same forever. I made the loops out of heavy skirting I oiled and greased or harness. They went to weekend riders, working cowboys, trainers, and show arenas.

Thanks Bruce- Question for you. Did you stitch them together? I'd be slightly concerned they would come apart over time. If so did you stitch then dip or did you dip then stitch? Maybe after a day they won't be so oily to run through my machine and stitch?!?

[bruce johnson]

Sorry to be late replying, this notification just popped up on my feed. I stitched them first, then dipped. It is hard to get latigo to bond well with just glue anyway, and occasionally would have a rein separate even while sewing.