How Many Sets of Reins Do I Need?

Probably five, one for each functioning bridle. I should be careful about that criteria though as there are at least three bridles in my garage and another two in my office, none of which I use, but they're all "functioning." Do they still need reins? 

Of the I-have-a-use-for-them bridles, both Izzy and Speedy have two. Izzy has two standard snaffle bridles, each with a bit with a different purpose. Speedy has a dressage bridle and a rope riding halter, both of which get used regularly. He also has an endurance bridle, which hasn't been on him in several years, but I keep it as a trail bridle option.

That still doesn't answer the question of how many sets of reins I own or need. So again, how many sets of reins are there? You'll have to be more specific. I now have the previously stipulated 5 sets of reins at the barn. That seems more than reasonable. Unfortunately, I actually own far more sets of reins than I can count on one hand. Or even two hands. And I might be dangerously close to needing three hands.

Three sets of reins in my office.

As I write this, there are currently three sets of reins living in the closet in my office, two of which are brand new. In my defense, I am pretty sure they were freebies. There is a cotton web pair, a laced leather pair, and an interesting leather pair that I am considering trying.

Top Row: western split reins, cheap leather reins, well used rubber reins. Bottom Row: 2 pairs cotton web reins, beta English reins (these are so nice!), and laced reins.

Out in the garage, there are 7 pairs of reins, all of which are in excellent shape excluding the rubber pair. I keep a pair of western split reins for starting youngsters although why is a little bit of a mystery as I swore off babies long ago. Speedy cured me of wanting another three, four, or five year old. The other six pairs are a mixture of smooth leather, cotton web, laced leather, and a lovely Beta pair that I wish I loved. I think I would nearly pay someone to make me an offer on any or all of them. Really. Do it. At least offer to cover the shipping.

Matching sets of Thinline reins.

Do you remember that I just bought a set of Thinline reins. I really liked them. I liked them so much that I took them off Speedy's bridle so that I could use them on Izzy's bridle at the recent show we did. It's not that I am particularly lazy, or rich, but I liked them so much that I wanted to use them for every ride no matter which horse I was riding, but frankly, switching them out every day was not realistic. Guess what I now own TWO of?

Because I NEEDED these.

This purchase happened quickly because I already knew that The Dressage Pony Store carried the Thinline reins as cheaply as I was going to find. I didn't have to research a thing. And just like with the first set, I ordered on Sunday, Valerie had them in the mail on Monday, and they were on Speedy's bridle by Tuesday.

So how many sets of reins do I really need? A lot fewer than currently reside in my house. I am serious about needing to part with most of them.

​Help a girl out, won't you?