Which double reins for showing?

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Hiway115

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I took my horse to one of the local shows last year (his first showing class under saddle after he had back/saddle problems) and to my surprise he won it. Afterwards the judge came over to me and asked if I had ever ridden him in double reins. I replied that I hadn't and he said that he would look much more professional with a pelham or a double bridle. This year I have been experimenting with the pelham and riding with two reins in my lessons but what type of reins do I need for showing? He's a Riding Horse type, but I can't remember for the life of me which type of reins I need or would be 'correct'.

Thanks in advance for any help :)
 
Reins are very much personal prefference, I have on my double a plaited bridoon rein and a thinner plain leather curb rein which is a pretty popular combo, however you will find many variations on what people use there is no hard and fast rule.
 
Wellybob is correct. Curb rein should be thinner than the snaffle, and is either a showing style rein (with grip on the inside) or plaited, and most professionals use plaited. Completely plain reins are fine, but if one is plaited and one is plain it makes life easier for you!
 
I use a plain, narrower curb rein and a slightly wider laced rein for the bradoon rein. I change my gloves if it's raining though so the reins don't slip. Sometimes if I'm doing workers in the rain I'll change the bradoon rein to a narrow rubber grip rein or dressage (rubber on inside) rein, depending what horse I'm on.

So long as your reins are tidy, not too bulky, a lot comes down to personal preference.
 
We use a thin plain one for the curb and a wider laced (or could be plaited) rein on the bradoon. I've only ever once had to use a curb rein with rubber on the inside for a horse - normally they are just plain leather. This is for hacks, cobs, hunters, riding horses, coloureds and M&Ms!!
 
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