Draw Reins and Running Reins - Western Riding

Western Riding

Draw reins in the western riding disciplines are always attached to the rings of the cinch (a western-style girth), usually on each side of a western saddle, run through the bit rings (either inside to outside or vice-versa, there is no firm rule, though the rein moves more smoothly if the inside goes to the girth and the outside to the hand), and then to the hands of the rider. They are rarely used in a two-rein system, usually are used alone or used with the regular bridle reins allowed to lay slack and not held by the rider. While use of the standard draw reins presents only mild controversy in western circles, a controversial use of this rein in western riding is its use on a curb bit, a practice that applies incorrect leverage, is dangerous, and creates an effect that some consider abusive.