My mom's cousin Lowell became fascinated with braiding at 10 years old when he saw his first turkshead button and was determined to figure out how to braid his own. He's been braiding ever since, for friends and family - and just to keep busy! So he now has a large inventory or mostly reins, but also whips and a few other items. He's even sent a keyfob to a sitting US president and received a very nice thank you letter and picture!
Lowell isn't much for technology so his inventory has grown with no easy way to sell outside his area, so I've agreed to list some items here and help him out. I will start with listing the items I have in hand and we'll see where this goes. A set of reins takes 2 days to make by hand, they are not mass produced! After a length is braided, they're stretched, wetted, and hammered flat for a nice shape and less future stretching. They're made with paracord with a tan/beige base and available button colors are turquoise, navy, dark blue, burgundy, purple, brown, green, red, and beige. Hardware is stainless steel scissor snaps.
He has primarily made roping reins around 8'-8'6" but I have asked for stock of single loop reins that were a bit longer since us endurance/trail riders more often want our horses to be able to eat as well.
The split reins are 76"-80" plus the popper.
The whip is 3' plus a 1' popper - which is special because it makes noise, but doesn't sting human or horse.
Here are some pics including necklaces and key fobs that Lowell also makes. Please email me with any comments or requests! Click on the products below this table to order whips and reins.
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Roping reins - $110 | Split reins - $135 | Whip - $60 |