At The Menner you will find reins for any type of harness; from single-span mini pony to four-span horse. Also tandem leashes, and related matters, such as pipe clampsare present in the range. Whether you choose leather reins, non-slip reins or plastic reins is determined on the one hand by what you find comfortable.
Functionality different types of reins
Plastic reins are virtually maintenance-free. There are full plastic reins, but also plastic reins with anti-slip. A leather reins has a bit more 'mass' than an anti-slip reins and therefore sits differently in the hand. When buying, also consider the welds, as mentioned in another blog about leashes.
Riders who are used to driving with leather reins often have to make a change when they start driving with non-slip reins. A leather lead rope can become slippery when it rains, reducing the grip on the reins. With an anti-slip lead rope, the grip remains good even when it rains.
Besides functionality, when choosing a leash, the issue of taste again comes into play. What do you like? If you ride authentically, a non-slip lead is not an option. If you opt for leather, the question of what colour is preferable then arises. Do you value tradition, for example? Then brown is often the choice.
Non-slip reins not always practical
In tandem and four-horse driving, you have to think very carefully about whether you want anti-slip. The marathon riders single and two-in-hand often ride with anti-skid, because they have the reins fixed in one place and with that it is 'just' going between the obstacles. In a tandem or a four-horse, you have two reins on top of each other, a front reins and a rear reins. When you go round a bend, you put a loop on the side of the inside bend. And then if you have two anti-slip on each other, that won't slide and it becomes difficult to put that loop. I therefore recommend having at least one of the two reins in leather, so that it does slide over each other.
Experiencing the reins yourself
With reins, personal preference plays an even bigger role than with harnesses. The width, the material, anti-slip or not, et cetera. You should experience and feel a harness yourself if you are not sure what you want. During the year, the Menner is present at several events in the country where you can take a few reins in your hand to experience it yourself. Do you have a fine hand or a broad hand? Are you looking for marathon reins or standard reins? Do you want non-slip, plastic or leather reins? You really need to feel this and if you don't have the opportunity to do this in the stable, it can be done at De Menner in the carriage. At the baldingr are all the events we attend.
Juliette Post/The Menner
