Everything You Need To Know About Reinsman Bits For Western Horses
If you're familiar with Western riding, then you've likely heard of Reinsman, the brand that's been making waves in the world of horse tack for decades.
Founded in 1993 by Martha and Dale Martin, Reinsman has always been driven by a passion for horses and a commitment to creating top-quality gear. In particular, they've gained a reputation for their innovative and comfortable bits.
From the very beginning, Martha and Dale had a clear vision in mind: to design bits that prioritize horse comfort and effective communication between horse and rider.
This dedication to craftsmanship and innovation quickly set Reinsman apart from other brands in the market, and they've continued to push the boundaries of bit design over the years.
What truly sets Reinsman bits apart is their unwavering focus on horse comfort. They understand that a happy and relaxed horse is more likely to perform at its best. Each Reinsman bit is categorized by Stages. It is similar to the way Myler bits are categorized by Levels.
To achieve this, Reinsman incorporates unique mouthpiece designs that minimize pressure points and distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's mouth. This thoughtful approach helps foster trust, responsiveness, and a deeper connection between horse and rider.
To achieve this, Reinsman incorporates unique mouthpiece designs that minimize pressure points and distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's mouth.
Today, Reinsman remains a leader in the Western tack industry, crafting bits with precision using high-quality materials and the latest manufacturing techniques. They continue to meet the evolving needs of riders and their equine partners, always striving to improve the riding experience through their innovative designs.
In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Reinsman bits. We'll explore their history, their focus on horse comfort, their evolution over the years, and highlight some of their most popular and highly recommended bits for Western horses. So saddle up and join us on this exciting journey into the world of Reinsman bits!
About Reinsman Bits
Reinsman, a renowned brand in the world of Western riding, has a rich history and evolution of horse tack that has spanned several decades. But their overall focus has always been comfort and quality.
History
It all began back in 1993 when the company was founded by Martha and Dale Martin. Their passion for horses and dedication to producing top-quality tack laid the foundation for what would become a beloved name in the Western riding community.
The Martins had a clear vision in mind when they started Reinsman: to create bits that prioritize horse comfort and effective communication between horse and rider. This commitment to craftsmanship and innovation quickly set Reinsman apart from other brands in the market.
Throughout the years, Reinsman has continuously pushed the boundaries of bit design, combining traditional principles with modern advancements. They have collaborated with skilled trainers, riders, and equine professionals to develop bits that meet the specific needs of Western riders and their horses.
Focus on Comfort
One of the defining aspects of Reinsman bits is their focus on horse comfort. The brand recognizes that a happy and relaxed horse is more likely to perform at its best. To achieve this, Reinsman incorporated unique mouthpiece designs that minimize pressure points and distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's mouth. This thoughtful approach helps foster trust, responsiveness, and a deeper connection between horse and rider.
Comfort-Driven Design: Many Reinsman bits minimize pressure points and distribute pressure evenly across the horse's mouth, leading to relaxation, better responsiveness, and an enjoyable riding experience.
Versatile Mouthpiece Options: Reinsman offers various mouthpieces to suit individual horse needs, considering thickness, shape, and material to accommodate different sensitivities and mouth conformations.
Promotes Head Carriage and Flexion: Features like swivel or jointed mouthpieces encourage lateral movement and independent action, aiding in achieving softness, collection, and maneuverability.
Evolution
Over time, Reinsman has expanded its range of bits to cater to a wide variety of horses and riding disciplines. From snaffles to correction bits, they offer a diverse selection to accommodate different training levels, mouth conformations, and individual sensitivities. This versatility has made Reinsman a go-to choice for both professional riders and everyday equestrians.
Reinsman's commitment to quality and innovation has been recognized and trusted by riders across the globe. Their bits have gained popularity not only in Western riding but also in other disciplines where riders appreciate the importance of a well-designed and comfortable bit.
Leader in Western Horse Tack
Today, Reinsman continues to uphold its legacy as a leader in the Western tack industry. Their bits are crafted with precision, using high-quality materials and the latest manufacturing techniques. The brand remains dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of riders and their equine partners, always striving to improve the riding experience through their innovative designs.
Best Reinsman Bits For Western Horses
As for the most popular Reinsman bits in Western riding, a few stand out:
Reinsman Smooth Sweet Iron Snaffle (Stage A): This is a classic and versatile bit that many riders favor for basic training and everyday riding. The sweet iron mouthpiece promotes salivation and acceptance.
Reinsman Twisted Snaffle (Stage B): Designed for horses that need a little extra "bite" to respond, this bit features a twisted mouthpiece that provides more direct communication.
Reinsman All Around Curb Bit (Stage C): When it comes to achieving the perfect headset, collection, and responsiveness, curb bits are our go-to tool.
Reinsman Bit - Josey Million Dollar Bit (Stage D): Whether you're aiming for flexibility, balance, or a touch of flash with the Prime Time variant, this bit delivers outstanding performance in the world of barrel racing.
Reinsman Long Shank Combination Bit (Stage E): This bit has a center "dogbone" link that lies flat on the horse's tongue, applying gentle pressure while encouraging relaxation and acceptance.
Reinsman Smooth Sweet Iron Snaffle - Stage A
When it comes to snaffle bits, this classic choice has stood the test of time as the go-to favorite for trainers and riders across the ages. What sets it apart is the perfect balance achieved through a combination of a slightly weighted ring and an average size ⅜" smooth snaffle. This balance makes it ideal for both training and everyday riding.
Weight and Feel
One of the notable advantages of this bit is the enhanced feel it offers. The weight of the ring increases sensitivity for both the horse and rider, providing the horse with pre-signals to rein cues and ensuring clear communication between the two. This means you can establish a strong connection and give precise instructions to your equine partner.
Material
Now, let's talk about the material. This bit is made from sweet iron, which naturally rusts over time, developing a light patina. Here's where things get interesting.
The rust creates a pleasant and sweet taste for the horse, making the bit more acceptable and encouraging salivation. This not only adds to the horse's comfort but also promotes a supple and responsive mouth.
Comfort
To further enhance your horse's comfort, all our snaffle mouthpieces feature mullen relief. This clever design incorporates a forward curve that evenly distributes pressure across the bars and tongue. The result? The dreaded nutcracker effect is eliminated, providing a more comfortable experience for your equine companion.
So, whether you're a trainer or an everyday rider, this classic snaffle bit with its perfect balance, enhanced feel, sweet iron material, and mullen relief is a fantastic choice. It has proven itself time and time again, earning the trust of countless equestrians throughout history.
Features
Classic Choice: This timeless snaffle bit has been trusted by trainers and riders for generations.
Perfect Balance: The combination of a slightly weighted ring and an average size 3/8" smooth snaffle creates a well-balanced bit suitable for both training and everyday riding.
Enhanced Feel: The weight of the ring increases sensitivity for both the horse and rider, providing pre-signals for rein cues and ensuring clear communication.
Sweet Iron Material: The bit is made of sweet iron, which naturally rusts into a light patina. This rust creates a pleasant taste for the horse, making the bit more acceptable and promoting salivation for a supple mouth.
Mullen Relief: All Reinsman snaffle mouthpieces feature mullen relief, which is a forward curve design that evenly distributes pressure across the bars and tongue. This helps eliminate the nutcracker effect for enhanced comfort.
Stage A for Direct Reining: This bit belongs to Stage A, which is ideal for starting horses, training, or maintaining steady contact. It features non-leverage loose rings and D rings with mouthpiece diameters of 5/16" and over.
Specifications: Bit Style: Snaffle; Bit Stage: Stage A (Direct Reining); Mouth Size: 5"; Mouth Diameter: 3/8"; Mouth Material: Sweet Iron; Mouth Type: 2-Piece, Smooth; Horse Size: Horse.
The Reinsman Smooth Sweet Iron Snaffle - Stage A, the timeless classic that has been the trusted choice of trainers and riders for generations. With its perfect balance achieved through a weighted ring and an average size smooth snaffle, this bit is ideal for both training and everyday riding. Its sweet iron material naturally rusts, creating a pleasant taste and encouraging salivation for a supple and responsive mouth.
Plus, the mullen relief design ensures even pressure distribution and eliminates the discomfort of the nutcracker effect. Whether you're starting a horse or maintaining steady contact, this snaffle bit is a fantastic choice for its enhanced feel, comfort, and proven reliability.
Reinsman Twisted Snaffle Junior Cowhorse Bit - Stage B
This Twisted Snaffle is a Junior Cowhorse Bit from Reinsman. It’s a versatile piece of horse tack that has a range of features for better control and communication with your horse.
Features
Design: The Junior Cowhorse Bit features 5" cheeks and a 5" mouth with a 3/8" twisted sweet iron dog bone snaffle. It is meticulously crafted in Texas, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
Stage B: This bit is classified as Stage B, which makes it perfect for transitioning from direct reining to neck reining.
It offers the right balance of control and responsiveness for horses progressing in their training.
Benefits
Optimal Control: The Junior Cowhorse Bit's short gag action is excellent for collecting a horse and helping them bring their rear end down. It aids in getting your horse's legs underneath them, allowing for improved balance and maneuverability.
Three-Piece Mouth Design: With a three-piece mouth, this bit provides a little bite while maintaining low leverage. This added control can be beneficial when refining your horse's movements and responses.
Sweet Iron Mouthpiece: The sweet iron mouthpiece is ideal for any horse. As it naturally rusts into a light patina, it encourages salivation and promotes a relaxed and supple mouth.
This versatile piece of horse tack is designed to enhance control and communication with your horse. With its carefully crafted features including a twisted sweet iron dog bone snaffle and Stage B classification, it's the perfect choice for transitioning from direct reining to neck reining while maintaining optimal control and responsiveness. The three-piece mouth design and sweet iron mouthpiece offer additional benefits by providing a little bite and promoting salivation, ensuring a relaxed and supple mouth for your horse.
Reinsman 776 All Around Curb Bit - Stage C
The Reinsman 776 All Around Curb Bit is a versatile bit that combines functionality, comfort, and style to enhance your riding experience.
Benefits of Using A Curb Bit
Curb bits are very common in Western riding. They're a fundamental part of our traditional Western tack and you'll see them used across various disciplines like reining, cutting, and roping. When it comes to achieving the perfect headset, collection, and responsiveness, curb bits are our go-to tool.
The reason we love curb bits is because they give us the leverage and control necessary for those fancy maneuvers, precise cues, and clear communication with our horses.
But here's the thing: we need to choose the right curb bit based on our horse's specific needs, training level, and our own riding skills. Proper fit, adjustment, and our ability to ride with finesse are key to ensure our horse's comfort and well-being.
So, if you're considering using a curb bit, remember to do your research and consult with experienced trainers to make the best choice for you and your trusty steed.
Features
Popular Cheek Style: The 776 All Around Curb Bit is known for its popularity among riders. It features a classic cheek style that has stood the test of time, offering a timeless appeal and reliable performance.
Perfect Balance: This bit achieves a wonderful balance through a short purchase and a short shank, making it moderately light. The well-thought-out design ensures optimal comfort for your horse, allowing for effortless communication.
Benefits
Enhanced Performance: The 776 All Around Bit boasts a three-piece smooth snaffle with a copper roller. This combination offers multiple benefits. Firstly, the smooth snaffle provides light tongue pressure, enabling better control and responsiveness. Secondly, the copper roller acts as a pacifier for nervous horses, promoting relaxation and encouraging acceptance of the bit.
Sweet and Sour Taste: The mouthpiece of this bit is made of a combination of sweet iron and copper. This unique blend creates a sweet and sour taste that encourages increased salivation. The increased salivation not only promotes a supple and responsive mouth but also allows the bit to move smoothly, enhancing overall comfort for your horse. Copper is a soft metal, check for signs of wear before each use.
Stage C - Neck Reining: The 776 All Around Bit falls under Stage C, designed for horses that excel in neck reining and respond well to poll pressure. It features solid mouthpieces and cheek attachments, along with swivel cheeks and jointed mouthpieces or low to medium ports. These features ensure effective communication and proper alignment during neck reining maneuvers.
When it comes to finding the perfect balance between style and functionality, the Reinsman 776 All Around Curb Bit shines. Its popularity among riders, coupled with its exceptional performance and innovative design, make it a top choice for riders of all disciplines.
Reinsman Bit - Josey Million Dollar Bit (Stage D)
If you're in the world of barrel racing, you know the importance of finding the perfect bit for your horse. Look no further than the Josey Million Dollar Bit. It’s an exceptional choice endorsed by barrel racing legend Martha Josey.
This bit has not only won a substantial amount of money for numerous riders but also offers a range of features and benefits that make it a must-have in your collection. Let's dive into what makes the Million Dollar Bit so special.
Features
Stainless Steel Construction: The Million Dollar Bit showcases a high-quality stainless steel construction. This ensures durability and longevity, allowing you to rely on this bit for many rides to come.
3-Piece Twisted Wire Dog Bone Snaffle Mouthpiece: The unique mouthpiece design consists of three twisted wire dog bone snaffles. This design provides precise control and responsiveness, allowing for effective communication between you and your horse.
Rope Noseband: The bit is equipped with a rope noseband, which adds balance and stability to your horse's head position. The rope noseband also helps in maintaining proper flexion, promoting optimal performance.
Benefits
Ideal for Flexibility and Balance: Achieving the all-important flex from a well-balanced bit is crucial in barrel racing. The Million Dollar Bit is designed to provide precisely that. It offers the flexibility needed for tight turns and quick maneuvers while ensuring a well-balanced and comfortable fit for barrel racing.
With the Million Dollar Bit, you can expect subtle cues and quick communication, giving you the edge you need in barrel racing.
Even Pressure Distribution: With its 5" shank, the Million Dollar Bit evenly distributes pressure on the nose, bars, corners of the mouth, curb, and poll. This balanced pressure helps maintain proper head carriage and control, allowing you to communicate with your horse effectively.
Stage D Expertise: The Josey Million Dollar Bit falls under Stage D, designed for expert neck reining and refined communication. This stage features increased leverage, more sophisticated mouthpieces, and the possibility of higher ports.
The Josey Million Dollar Bit has stood the test of time as one of our all-time proven favorites at the Josey Ranch. Whether you're aiming for flexibility, balance, or a touch of flash with the Prime Time variant, this bit delivers outstanding performance in the world of barrel racing.
Reinsman Long Shank Combination Bit - Stage E
This Reinsman bit is a Josey Combination bit that has a range of features designed to improve your horse's performance and correct common issues.
Features
Design: The Josey Long Shank Combination Bit boasts 7" shanks, providing additional control and leverage compared to standard bits. Its unique design targets horses that tend to drop a shoulder during turns.
Pressure Distribution: This bit applies pressure to the nose and jaw, facilitating collection, rate, and whoa. It helps in achieving a balanced and responsive ride.
Stage E: Categorized as Stage E, this bit falls into the correction category and is intended for experienced riders only. It incorporates tiny twists, high ports, and complex mouthpieces to address specific needs and challenges.
Benefits
Shoulder Control: The Josey Long Shank Combination Bit allows you to lift and move your horse's shoulder, preventing collisions with barrels or poles. It gives you the ability to maneuver with precision and maintain optimal control.
Versatile Usage: This bit is suitable for riders seeking a bit of extra control or those riding high-powered speed horses. It provides the necessary leverage and responsiveness for demanding situations.
High-Quality Craftsmanship: Reinsman takes pride in offering high-quality horse tack, and the Josey Long Shank Combination Bit is no exception. Crafted in the USA, this bit is built to last and endure rigorous use.
The Reinsman Long Shank Combination Bit is a powerful tool designed to enhance your horse's performance and address common issues. With its 7" shanks and specialized design, this bit offers extra control and leverage, making it ideal for horses that tend to drop a shoulder during turns. The pressure distribution targets the nose and jaw, promoting collection, rate, and whoa for a balanced and responsive ride.
Categorized as Stage E, this correction bit is intended for experienced riders seeking shoulder control and versatile usage, whether it's for precision maneuvers or riding high-powered speed horses. Rest assured, this bit is crafted with Reinsman's renowned quality and durability, ensuring it will withstand the demands of rigorous use.
Stages of Reinsman Bits
Reinsman has divided their bits into stages A - E, to help riders select the most appropriate bit for their horse's level of training and riding experience. Before you buy a Reinsman bit, make sure it’s the right stage for you and your horse. And when in doubt, ask a Professional!
Stage A Reinsman Bits
Stage A bits are designed for horses in the early stages of training or those with minimal training. These bits are generally considered mild and are intended to introduce the horse to the basic concepts of bit acceptance, lightness, and responsiveness. They provide a gentle and comfortable communication tool for both horse and rider.
Stage A Reinsman bits typically feature a simple and straightforward design.
They often have a smooth or twisted mouthpiece, which allows for direct communication without excessive pressure or complexity. These bits aim to encourage relaxation, salivation, and acceptance of the bit, which are crucial foundations for further training progression.
The selection of stage A bits from Reinsman includes various mouthpiece options, such as snaffles, smooth or twisted mouthpieces, and different materials like sweet iron or copper. The specific design and material choice may depend on the horse's individual preferences and mouth conformation.
It's important to note that even though stage A bits are considered mild, it is still crucial to use them correctly and ensure proper fit and adjustment. Riders should always be mindful of their horse's comfort and response when using any bit, regardless of the stage.
As the horse progresses in its training and becomes more responsive to the rider's cues, riders may consider transitioning to a higher stage bit from Reinsman, such as stage B or stage C, which offer increased refinement, leverage, or more advanced features.
Stage B Reinsman Bits
Stage B Reinsman bits are specifically designed for horses that have moved past the early stages of training and have a solid foundation of responsiveness and acceptance of the bit. They take your communication with your horse to the next level, offering increased refinement and introducing more advanced features.
One of the coolest things about Stage B Reinsman bits is how they give you clearer and more precise cues to your horse. They often have longer shanks or cheekpieces, which give you more leverage and amplify your signals.
This means you can communicate subtle and refined movements and transitions to your horse with ease.
Stage B Reinsman bits also come with fancy mouthpiece designs. They may have different joints, ports, or tongue relief features that give you even more control over your horse's head position, flexion, and collection. These special features allow your horse's mouth to move independently on each side, making them more supple and responsive.
Now, here's the best part. Stage B bits are not just about refinement, they're also problem solvers! They can help address specific training or behavioral challenges. Some bits have correctional elements or adjustable options, so you can fine-tune the bit to fit your horse's unique needs. It's like having a personalized tool that helps your horse perform at their best.
But remember, Stage B bits aren't for everyone. They're not suitable for horses in the early stages of training or those with sensitive mouths. They require a skilled rider who can apply subtle cues to avoid discomfort or confusion for the horse. So, make sure you've got the experience and finesse to handle these bits properly.
And here's a friendly reminder: Stage B bits aren't magic fixes. They're meant to complement proper training techniques, consistent practice, and respect for your horse's individual needs. Don't rely solely on the bit to solve all your training challenges. It takes a holistic approach and dedication to bring out the best in your horse.
Stage C Reinsman Bits
One of the great things about Stage C Reinsman bits is the enhanced control and responsiveness they offer.
With longer shanks, intricate mouthpiece designs, or multiple joints, these bits allow riders to give subtle cues and aids with utmost clarity. Whether it's achieving refined movements, collection, or fine-tuning your horse's performance, Stage C bits can make a noticeable difference.
Versatility is another advantage of Stage C Reinsman bits. If you're involved in disciplines like reining or cutting that demand quick responses and precise maneuvers, these bits can be a game-changer.
They enable riders to communicate weight shifts, leg cues, and rein aids with exceptional finesse, resulting in improved performance and a stronger connection with your horse.
It's worth mentioning that Stage C bits often provide increased leverage, which can be beneficial for riders who require more control or for horses that need additional guidance. Proper head carriage, flexion, and lateral movement can be achieved with the help of the leverage these bits provide.
However, it's essential to note that using increased leverage requires skilled riders who can apply refined aids and avoid heavy-handedness.
Now, let's consider a few things to keep in mind when it comes to Stage C Reinsman bits. These bits are not suitable for inexperienced riders or horses in the early stages of training. It's crucial to have a solid foundation, proper technique, and a balanced seat before using Stage C bits to avoid confusion, discomfort, or harsh handling.
Stage D Reinsman Bits
Stage D Reinsman bits are the cream of the crop for experienced riders seeking subtle cues and quick communication with their horses. These bits are specifically crafted to provide enhanced control and precision in disciplines like reining, cutting, and other advanced Western riding styles.
What sets Stage D bits apart is their increased leverage and more sophisticated mouthpieces. They are not your average run-of-the-mill bits!
The mouthpieces may feature intricate designs such as twisted wires, high ports, or other complex configurations.
These variations create different pressure points and leverage options, allowing riders to communicate with their horses in a refined and precise manner.
But Stage D bits are not for everyone. They require skilled and experienced riders who have developed a light touch and refined aids. These bits are not suitable for novice riders or horses in the early stages of training. So, if you're an advanced rider looking to take your communication with your horse to the next level, Stage D Reinsman bits might be just what you need.
Stage E Reinsman Bits
Stage E Reinsman bits are the top of the line in correction bits. They are designed for riders who have reached an expert level of skill and are seeking the utmost refinement in their communication with their horses.
If you're at the stage where you need to fine-tune your cues and achieve quick and subtle communication, Stage E is where you want to be.
What sets Stage E bits apart is their specialized and complex design. They incorporate features like tiny twists, very high ports, and highly intricate mouthpieces. These elements create a whole new level of sophistication, allowing for precise control and nuanced communication with your horse
But Stage E bits are not for beginners or horses in the early stages of training. They require experienced riders who possess a deep understanding of subtle cues and have honed their skills over time. These bits demand a light touch and finesse to achieve the desired response from your horse.
Final Thoughts
Reinsman bits have truly made their mark in the world of Western riding. With a rich history, a commitment to comfort and quality, and a dedication to innovation, Reinsman has become a beloved name among riders across the globe.
Their focus on horse comfort sets them apart, with unique mouthpiece designs that minimize pressure points and promote even distribution of pressure. This thoughtful approach fosters trust, responsiveness, and a deeper connection between horse and rider.
Reinsman's evolution over the years has led to a diverse range of bits that cater to various horses and riding disciplines. Whether you're a professional rider or an everyday equestrian, Reinsman offers a versatile selection to meet your specific needs.
From the classic Smooth Sweet Iron Snaffle to the specialized Josey Million Dollar Bit, Reinsman bits are designed to enhance performance, improve communication, and provide the necessary control for different riding styles.
As a leader in the Western tack industry, Reinsman continues to uphold their legacy through precision craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and innovative designs. They are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of riders and their equine partners, always striving to improve the riding experience.
So, whether you're starting a young horse's training or fine-tuning your seasoned partner, Reinsman bits offer comfort, functionality, and style. Remember to choose the appropriate stage for your horse's level of training and consult with professionals if needed.
In the end, Reinsman bits are more than just pieces of tack—they're tools that facilitate a deeper connection, better performance, and a more enjoyable riding experience for both horse and rider. Trust in Reinsman's expertise and let their bits become your trusted companions on every ride.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.