What are slobber straps on reins?
While they may have an odd name, slobber straps’ purpose is a simple one – they are pieces of leather that attach reins to the bit and act as a hinge of sorts. Because of their weight, slobber straps give the horse a pre-signal when the rider picks up on the reins that contact is about to be made with the bit.
How do you attach mecate to slobber straps?
First, attach the slobber straps to the rings of the bit. The slobber strap will fold in half, and align the holes. Then take the popper end of your mecate rein. Pass this through all four holes of the slobber straps and end with about 6 inches of the rein freely through the furthest slobber strap.
How long should mecate reins be?
The mecate (/məˈkɑːtiː/ or less anglicized /məˈkɑːteɪ/; Spanish pronunciation: [meˈkate]) is the rein system of the bosal style hackamore used to train young horses. It is a long rope, traditionally of horsehair, approximately 20–25 feet long and up to about 3/4 inch in diameter.
Why do people use mecate reins?
Mecate reins are used for early horse training. In fact, the mecate and bosal setup is considered to be a variation on Spanish vaquero training. The weight and texture of the rein helps to facilitate the training by providing subtle cues to the horse.
What is a mecate reins used for?
How do you attach a mecate to a slobber strap?
How do you tie loop reins to slobber straps?
Tying On Your Reins You can tie your reins onto your slobber straps by running the mecate reins or other tie-on reins through the holes in the slobber strap on the right side of your horse. Pull the end of the reins all the way through so that the end of the reins is snug against the side of the slobber strap.
How do you put reins in slobber straps?
Why use slobber straps?
Slobber straps are pieces of leather that you put on your bit and attach the reins through. They are helpful as a tool to give your horse a release of pressure. They also help to aid some weight to your reins.
What is the purpose of a slobber strap?
Slobber straps generally serve three purposes: Slobber straps can take a lot of everyday wear and tear off of expensive reins. Some reins can be very lightweight. Lightweight reins, when picked up on and released by a rider, may be so light that both horse and rider don’t get a good Some styles of reins, such as mecates, are not easily attached directly to a bit.
What are slobber straps?
Slobber straps are pieces of leather that attach reins to a bit (see photo below). They generally serve three purposes: Slobber straps can take a lot of everyday wear and tear off of expensive reins.