CHOOSE & USE ROMAL REINS

Looking to try romal reins? Our experts offer advice for picking your set and using them.

- JENNIFER PAULSON

Romal reins might seem like a trendy fad of the moment, because you see them in so many of the ranch classes, as well as working cow horse and reining. They give a distinctly traditional Western look. But they trace back to the West Coast vaqueros who spent up to seven years training their horses to be “straight up in the bridle,” guided with romal reins. To this day, romal reins signify an extremely well-trained horse, because there’s no cheating with them. Professionals reach for them for the straightness they can achieve with their horses when keeping the horse between the reins is of utmost importance. For fast-paced riding, as with working cow horse and when working cattle on a ranch, romal reins offer an added safety element, because you can’t drop a rein in the heat of the moment.

Interested in giving romals a try but unsure where to start? We spoke with two experts to help you choose and use the traditional tack correctly and in the best way for your horse.

Bill Black first took up braiding at age 10, under the guidance of his father. What started with sisal twine and a four-strand round braid turned into a career of braiding romal reins, hackamores, headstalls, and more for the best hands in the Western industry. He and his wife, Teresa, braid and sell their gear from their place in southeast Oregon.

Laurel Denton grew up on a ranch in Arizona and trains Quarter Horses for working cow horse and ranch events from her family ranch in Skull Valley. She’s a multiple-time AQHA world champion and a well-respected judge and educator when it comes to Western traditions and training techniques.