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Leather Split Reins

Many riders prefer leather split reins (as opposed to reins made of synthetic materials) for the "feel" they create between the horse and rider. They are often the preferred choice of working cowboys and cowgirls.

Split reins are a type of rein used for riding a horse: They are two separate, individual reins that are used together, as opposed to a one-piece rein that is sometimes called a "roping rein" (for more information please see "What Are Split Reins," below).

Below are leather split reins for sale. Please scroll down toward the bottom of the page for good things to know before buying split reins.

Below: Leather split reins being used by a working cowboy.

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Split Reins - Good Things To Know Before You Buy

Are the reins new or used? Most of the ones we've seen on the Web are new, but you will occasionally come across a used pair.
How long are they? The length of split reins varies, so make sure you don't get a set shorter or longer than you wanted.
How wide are the reins, and how thick?
How do the reins attach to the bit? Do they tie on with water loops, use Chicago screws, or come with buckles, snaps, etc.? Some people prefer to tie their reins to the bit (either directly or with water loops) because they like the feel this gives them when they communicate with a horse. Some folks like the looks of Chicago screws, while still others like snaps so they can quickly switch the reins from one bridle to another.
If the leather split reins come with snaps, do you like the type of snaps? Are they too big or too small for your preferences? If necessary, can young hands or arthritic fingers work them easily?
What color are they? Leather can come in a variety of dark or light oils, and, while it's less common, some leather split reins are even dyed to a certain color.
What will the shipping charges on the reins be?

What Are Leather Split Reins?

Split reins are a piece of equipment used for communicating with a horse while it is being ridden. Leather split reins are split reins made of leather as opposed to some other material such as nylon or cotton.

Split reins are two separate, individual reins that are used together, with one rein on each side of the horse's neck. Each rein attaches to the bridle and extends from the bridle to the rider's hands to help communicate such things to the horse as when to stop, turn, speed up, slow down, and more.

Split reins can be contrasted to a one-piece rein that extends from one side of the bridle, over the horse's neck, and down to the other side of the bridle.

Below: Split reins. When a rider dismounts a horse and intentionally leaves one split rein on the ground it is often a cue for the horse to "ground tie," or to stay there until the rider returns.

Leather split reins being used to cue a horse to ground tie

Which type of reins a rider uses, split reins or one rein, is a matter of personal preference. Split reins are commonly seen in the Western riding disciplines, although some Western riders might use one rein. Split reins are often preferred by working cowboys and cowgirls.

Weighted Leather Split Reins

Weighted leather split reins have extra weight in them, either toward the bit end, the back end, or both. The weight, regardless of which (or both) ends it's located, is intended to help that end of the reins hang more quietly. Not all split reins are weighted: It's a matter of personal preference.

In the photo below of a single split rein, the #1 shows the bit end of the rein. The #2 is the the opposite end of the rein, the part that hangs down the side of the horse.

If you look at where the arrow is pointing you will see that the rein is cut thicker for several inches to give this end added weight. Whether or not split reins are weighted (at either end) is a matter of personal preference.

This is a close-up from the photo above, showing the part of the rein that is cut thicker to give it added weight.

If you prefer weighted leather split reins to ones that aren't weighted, be sure to read the product description and look at the photos to find out if, and where, the reins are weighted.

Save The Reins For Later

If you find a pair of leather split reins for sale on Etsy that you like but you're not ready to purchase them right away, you can always add them to your shopping cart so they will be easy to find later.

In most cases, Etsy will keep track of items in your cart for 30 days.
In the meantime, if you want to check out with other items you can click on "Save for later" to move specific items to a separate, but still easy-to-find list beneath your shopping cart.
Also, if you put items into your Etsy shopping cart but don't check out after 30 days, Etsy will automatically move your items to the "Save for later" area beneath your cart. When you're ready to actually purchase any of these items, simply click "Move to cart" to put them back into your shopping cart and check out.

Important: Putting items in your Etsy shopping cart or "Save for later" list does NOT reserve them! It just makes them easier to find if they're still available when you come back.

Below: Screenshot image showing the "Save for later" and "Remove" links when an item is in the Etsy shopping cart.

Cowboy Etsy shopping cart