Abstract:
The invention provides a rein having a bit end that is directly attachable to an end ring of a bit, without the need for a separate connecting piece, to provide direct contact between the bit in the animal&#39;s mouth and the rider&#39;s hands. The bit end of the rein comprises a metal member that is integral with the rein and which has a connector portion that is preferably configured such that the metal member of the rein may be adjustably attached to the end ring, such that the attachment is tight or loose to the degree desired by the user. Because the entire length of the rein, including the portion that connects to the bit, is a continuous construction, the former problems of loose joints at the rein end and the bit end are eliminated.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/128,177, filed Aug. 3, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,592. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to reins for use with a bit for controlling the direction of a domestic riding animal, such as a horse, mule or donkey, when the animal is being ridden. In particular, the invention relates to a rein having an integral connector at the bit end for directly attaching the rein to a bit, thus providing direct contact between the bit in the animal&#39;s mouth and the rider&#39;s hands. 
     During a long period of history of horsemanship, various devices have been invented to assist the rider in controlling the animal and causing it to move in the desired direction. Refinement of the control devices has resulted in the now familiar tack arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1 of a bridle  1  comprised of straps which adjustably fit around the animal&#39;s head  2 , a metal bit  3  including a mouthpiece  4  adapted to fit in the animal&#39;s mouth and extend over and atop its tongue, and a set of reins  5  which are conventionally attached to end rings  6  of the bit  3  at either side of the animal&#39;s mouth. 
     There are two basic styles of Western reins: split reins which are two separate reins, and the romal rein, schematically illustrated (not to scale) in FIG. 2, which is one continuous rein  7  forming a loop  8 , and a third part (the romal)  9  which hangs from the loop  8  and is attached to it by a connector  10 . Most conventional braided romal reins are made by hand braiding leather around a heavy nylon rope core that extends through the entire length of the continuous rein, including oval loops  11 . The oval loops  11  extend from the bit end  12  of the rein and are formed by turning the ends of the covered (braided) core to the inside and securing them by tightly braiding a terminal “barrel”  18  around them. Various ornamentations may be added to the reins, such as the illustrated braided leather buttons  16 , knots  17 , and barrels  18 , or, in many cases, more ornate silver ornamentations. 
     For over two hundred years, conventional braided romal reins have been made with the oval braided loops  11  at the bit end  12  and a pair of removable braided connectors  13  (FIG. 3) for connecting each of the braided loops  11  to an end ring  6  of the bit  3 . This conventional rein/connector design has been problematic because the loose joints created between the braided connector and the end ring of the bit, and again between the braided connector and the oval loop of the rein, cause a loss of direct contact between the rider&#39;s hands and the bit in the animal&#39;s mouth. 
     For many years, riding and saddlery professionals have attempted to overcome this problem. For example, one reported solution has been to run a stiff wire from the rein, along the connector, to the bit, and to tape or wire the whole unit together. However, this type of connection has now been declared illegal by the International Arabian Horse Association and the American Horse Show Association (AHSA). Recently, a leather connector  14  (FIG. 4) has been developed that attempts to more rigidly connect the bit ring  6  with the braided loop  11  at the bit end  12  of the rein by means of a chicago screw  15 . However, this design still requires a separate “connector” piece between the bit ring and the loop at the end of the reins and does not provide tight connections at either the rein end or the bit end. This connector also is not very stiff because a lightweight piece of leather must be employed to be thin enough to fit through the end ring of the bit. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is still a need for a rein design, that effectively provides direct contact between the bit in the animal&#39;s mouth and the rider&#39;s hands. In particular, there is a need for eliminating the problem of loose connections between a rein and the bit, such as those that presently exist when using conventional braided romal reins. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a rein having a bit end that is directly attachable to the bit, without a separate connecting piece between the rein and the bit. The rein may be any type of rein, such as a split rein or a romal rein, but is preferably a romal rein and, more preferably, a braided romal rein. In one embodiment of the invention, the bit end of the rein terminates in a rigid member that is integral with the rein and which has a connector portion configured to directly connect the rein to the end ring of the bit. In one embodiment of the invention, the term “rigid” refers to a member that has a strength and stiffness that is approximately equivalent to the strength and stiffness of an 8 ounce (oz.) piece of leather normally used in strap goods, such as reins and bridles. As used herein, the term “ounce” when referring to the weight of various leather pieces means ounces per square foot, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, e.g., for describing leather thickness. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the bit end of the rein terminates in a metal member that is integral with the rein and which has a connector portion configured to directly connect the rein to the end ring of the bit. The metal member may comprise one or more selections from the group consisting of silver, brass, copper, nickel, aluminum, chrome, gold, bronze, iron, steel, tin, and alloys of the foregoing. The metal member may comprise a solid metal or alloy, or may comprise a base metal electroplated or overlaid with another metal. For example, the metal member may comprise a base metal with a layer of another metal, such as sterling silver, chrome, or gold, or combinations of these, or alloys of these metals with another metal, such as copper, or the like. It may be desirable that the overlaid or electroplated metal on the surface of the base metal has a thickness sufficient for engraving of ornamentation. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a fastener, which fastens the connector portion of the rigid member or the metal member of the rein to the end ring of the bit, is configured to be incrementally adjustable by the user, such that the direct connection of the rein to the end ring of the bit ranges from a tight rein/end ring connection, to a loose connection in which the connector portion of the rein rotates freely on the end ring to a degree regulated by the user. For example, a tight connection is desirable in certain circumstances, such as for training purposes, because it provides better leverage between the rein and the bit. However, the amount of leverage suitable for training purposes is not suitable when showing horses under AHSA rules, which require that the rein freely rotate on the end ring of the bit. 
     Because the entire length of the rein of the invention, including the portion that connects to the bit, is a continuous construction, without a separate connecting piece between the rein end and bit, the former problem of a loose joint at the rein end, such as that encountered, for example, in conventional braided romal reins, is eliminated. Thus, the rein of the invention provides direct contact between the bit in the animal&#39;s mouth and the rider&#39;s hands. 
     In the first embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the rigid member at the bit end of the rein comprises at least three layers, i.e., two thin, lightweight outer layers, preferably of leather, and one or more inner reinforcing layers of material, such as plastic coated cotton webbing, vinyl coated nylon material, and the like. The reinforcing layer(s) is the major source of the strength and stiffness of the rigid member. The outer and inner layers are secured to each other for part or all of their length by sewing, glueing, binding, or other means of attachment known to those skilled in the art. For aesthetic purposes, the outer layers of the rigid member can be type- and/or color- matched to the leather used in the braided portion of the rein. An important feature of this embodiment of the rigid member is that the required strength and stiffness can be achieved by employing a reinforcing layer that is thin (e.g., {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness or less), together with thin outer layers of leather, such as 4 oz. leather pieces that each have a thickness of {fraction (1/16)} inch or less. Thus, the total thickness of the rigid member can be about ⅛ inch to about {fraction (3/16)} inches. As will become apparent in the embodiments of the invention described below, the thinness of the rigid member is advantageous, not only because it allows the member to fit through the end ring of the bit, but also because the rigid member can be integrally secured with or to the braided portion of a romal rein within a flexible rein member (described below) in a manner that is not bulky. Thus, in the preferred embodiments of the invention, the flexible member typically has a diameter similar to that of the terminal braided barrel of a conventional braided romal rein. 
     The bit end of the rigid member or the metal member (described below) extends externally from the flexible member and comprises a connector portion for connecting the rein to the end ring of the bit. In embodiments of the invention, the connector portion may have several configurations, described below. In a preferred embodiment, the connector portion of the rigid member comprises at least two layers that are separated from each other at the connector end, each of the two layers having an opening therethrough configured for passage of a fastener. For connecting to the end ring of the bit, the separated layers of the rigid member form a sandwich around the ring. The whole sandwich assembly is then secured by a bolt arrangement, such as a chicago screw or a nut and bolt, that passes through the layers and the end ring of the bit. More preferably, at least one of the separated layers further comprises the reinforcing layer that imparts strength and stiffness to the rigid member. 
     In the embodiment of the invention employing a metal member, the connector portion preferably comprises at least two sections longitudinally separated from each other, optionally by a spacer, to form at least two separate, substantially parallel sections, each of the at least two separate sections having an opening therethrough configured for the passage of a fastener. The connector portion is preferably configured to secure the end ring of the bit to the at least two separate sections of the metal member by sandwiching the end ring between the sections of the metal member, such that the fastener can pass through the sandwiched assembly. The fastener preferably comprises a bolt arrangement such as, without limitation, a nut and bolt, but preferably is a chicago screw. 
     In other embodiments, the connector portion of the rigid member may be in the form of a strap that has a strap end for passing through the end ring of the bit to form a loop and which may then be fastened to the rigid member by a fastener, such as a snap fastener, a buckle, a chicago screw, or the like, or tied with a cord. In another embodiment, the connector portion of the rigid member may comprise a rigid snap end fastener that is integrally attached to and extends from the rigid member, for snapping onto the ring of the bit. 
     The invention provides other romal reins and split reins, described further below, that have bit ends that provide a tight or a rotational connection between rein and bit. 
     In each of the embodiments of a braided romal rein of the invention, the length of the braided core of the rein is shortened compared with that of a conventional braided core, such that it does not form a conventional oval loop at the bit end of the rein. Rather, the bit end of the core of the invention rein is tightly secured within the flexible tubular interior of a flexible member of the rein. As used in the context of the invention, the terms “end of the core” and “core end” of the braided rein, are intended to encompass both a naked rope core end and a braided core end. 
     One end of the rigid member of the rein is also secured within the flexible tubular interior. As used in the context of the invention, the terms “flexible tubular interior” and “flexible member” refer to a construction in which a tubular interior containing both the core end and the rigid member end is formed by tightly enclosing and securing both ends with a flexible binding material. For example, such a construction could be formed by tightly binding a flexible cord (e.g., cotton, plastic or leather) around the core and rigid member ends or, more preferably, by tightly braiding a flexible cord (e.g., cotton, plastic, or thin, 1-2 oz. leather strands) around the ends. The flexible member thus comprises the construction including the flexible tubular interior and the outer flexible binding material (“outer wall”) and the construction is considered “flexible” by virtue of the fact that it conforms to the shape of the enclosed ends. An example of a flexible member is a terminal braided barrel in a conventional braided romal rein. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rigid member comprises at least two layers that enclose the end of the core of the rein in a sandwich configuration. The rigid member layers are stitched and/or glued or otherwise attached to the core, thus securing the rigid member directly to the core of the rein. Other embodiments of the positioning and securing of the core and rigid member within the flexible member are described herein below. 
     In the embodiment of the invention wherein the rigid member comprises a metal member, a first end of the metal member is secured within the flexible tubular interior of the flexible member, and a second end of the metal member extends outwardly to form the connector portion, described above. For example, the first end of the metal member may have a tubular configuration for receiving and securing the end of the core of the rein, such as by crimping or by a fastener such as, but not limited to, a nail or a screw. Alternatively, the first end of the metal member may comprise two or more sections that are configured to secure the end of the core of the rein by a fastener. 
     Regardless of the manner in which the core and rigid or metal member ends are secured, the rigid or metal member becomes integral with the length of rein, and the rein, including the rigid or metal member, comprises a continuous construction. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a conventional tack arrangement for use when riding a horse. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a conventional braided romal rein. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of prior art connectors for attachment of conventional braided romal reins to a bit. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a prior art connector for connecting a conventional braided romal rein to a bit. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a romal rein of the invention having an integral connector portion of a rigid member for direct attachment of the rein to the bit. 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of preferred embodiments for securing the rigid member (comprising two thin leather layers and at least one reinforcing layer) and the end of the core of the rein within a flexible member. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment for securing the end of the core of the rein within a sandwich formed by layers of the rigid member. 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of another embodiment of the rigid member (comprising two leather layers) and for securing the rigid member and core of the rein to each other within the flexible member. 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B and  9 C are schematic illustrations of a preferred embodiment having a sandwich configuration for connecting the preferred rigid member of the rein to the bit. This embodiment may also be used when the rigid member comprises two leather layers. 
     FIGS. 10A,  10 B and  10 C are schematic illustrations of another embodiment for connecting the preferred rigid member of the rein to the bit. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment for connecting the preferred rigid member of the rein to the bit. 
     FIGS. 12A and 12B are a schematic illustrations of another embodiment for connecting the rigid member of the rein to the bit, which may be employed with either the preferred rigid member, or the rigid member comprising two leather layers. 
     FIGS. 13A,  13 B and  13 C are schematic illustrations of an embodiment of a flat rein having rigid members for connecting the rein to the bit in a sandwich configuration. 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a flat rein having two or more layers, in which at least two layers are separated at the bit end for connecting the rein to the bit in a sandwich configuration. 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of an embodiment of a braided rein having a rigid member partially overlaid with a metal ornamentation. 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of the rein of FIG.  15 . 
     FIGS. 17A,  17 B and  17 C are cross-sectional schematic illustrations of a braided rein having a metal member for connecting the rein to the end ring of a bit. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates the connection of the rigid member or metal member of the rein to the end ring of the bit, wherein the end ring is sandwiched between at least two separate layers or sections of the member and fastened by a fastener, such as a chicago screw or a nut and bolt arrangement. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides reins that, unlike conventional romal reins, such as braided romal reins, do not terminate in oval loops. Rather, the reins of the invention terminate in rigid connectors or metal connectors that are an integral part of the rein at the bit end, for directly connecting the reins to the end rings of the bit. The reins of the invention eliminate the need for an intervening connecting piece and, therefore, eliminate the problems associated with loose connecting joints in conventional romal rein/connector design. Although the reins are described herein with particular reference to braided romal reins, one skilled in the art will be sufficiently instructed by the embodiments of the invention to be able to apply the teachings to all types of reins, including romal reins and split reins, without undue experimentation. 
     By the invention, the tightness or looseness of the connection between the rein and the bit is adjustable to the degree desired by the user. As used herein, references to a tight rein-bit connection mean that the rein end does not rotate freely on the end ring. At the other end of the spectrum, a loose rein-bit connection means that the rein end rotates entirely freely on the end ring. Thus, the tightness or looseness of the connection may be incrementally adjustable by the user in a range from tight to loose. In the preferred embodiment, the connector portion of the rigid member or metal member comprises at least two sections longitudinally separated from and substantially parallel to each other. Each of the at least two sections has an opening therethrough configured for passage of a fastener. For connection of the rein to the bit, the end ring is preferably sandwiched between the two separate sections of the connector portion of the rigid or metal member and secured by the fastener, which is preferably a chicago screw, but may be any fastener arrangement such as, but not limited to, a nut and bolt, in which the tightness or looseness of the connection is adjustable by the user. For example, if the fastener is a chicago screw or a nut and bolt arrangement, the tightness or looseness of the connection is adjustable by the degree the screw or bolt, respectively, is turned on a threaded portion of the fastener. It is recognized that the degree of the tightness or looseness of the connection may also depend on the length of the fastener passing through the two sections of the connector portion of the rein end and the end ring of the bit. One of ordinary skill in the art would select a fastener of the proper length to achieve the desired degree of tightness or looseness of the connection. 
     A romal rein of the invention is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5. A length of rein  20  terminates in two bit ends  21 , each of which comprises a flexible member  22  and a rigid member  27 . The rigid member  27  has a first end (not shown) that extends into and is in tight contact with the interior of the flexible member  22  such that the rigid member  27  is firmly bound by the flexible member and is integral with the rein in a continuous construction. The rigid member  27  has a second end  30  that has a connector portion  50  for attachment to one of two end rings  6  of a bit (not shown). Because traditional romal reins are made of leather, it is preferred that the elements of the rein of the invention, including the rigid member and/or the flexible member, also employ leather. However, imitation leathers (e.g., plastics) that fulfill the criteria for these elements as described herein, may also be used in the invention. 
     In each of the preferred embodiments described below, the rigid member comprises at least three layers, i.e., two thin, lightweight layers of leather (e.g., about {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness, preferably 4 oz. leather) and one or more thin (e.g., {fraction (1/16)} inch thickness or less) reinforcing layers of material(s), such as plastic coated cotton webbing, vinyl coated nylon material, and the like. The layers are secured to each other by sewing, glueing, or other means of attachment known to those skilled in the art. The reinforcing layer is the major source of the strength and stiffness of the rigid member which, as defined above, has a strength and stiffness that is approximately equivalent to the strength and stiffness of an 8 ounce (oz.) piece of leather normally used in strap goods, such as reins and bridles. In several of the preferred embodiments, the layers of the rigid member are longitudinally separated either at the connecting portion for attachment to the end ring of the bit, or for forming a sandwich around the end of the core of the rein. 
     Other, less preferred embodiments of the invention are also described below wherein the rigid member comprises two thicker, heavier leather layers, without a reinforcing layer, that provide the required strength and stiffness. Because reins are manufactured in a wide variety of lengths and thicknesses, the length and width of the rigid members are variable and may be determined for each kind of rein according to aesthetic and other criteria used by those skilled in the art. 
     Several preferred embodiments of the construction of the bit end of the rein are illustrated in FIGS. 6A,  6 B, and  6 C. In each of the embodiments, the flexible member  32  has a first end  33  and a second end  34  and an outer wall  35  that defines a flexible tubular interior  36 . A length of rein  20  has a core end  38  that extends into the first end  33  of the flexible member  32  and is in tight contact with the flexible tubular interior  36 . A rigid member  37 , having a first end  39  and a second end  40 , is positioned at the second end  34  of the flexible member  32 . The second end  40  of the rigid member  37  extends outwardly from the second end  34  of the flexible member  32  and has a connector portion (not shown in these figures) for attachment to end ring of a bit (located beyond the arrow). The first end  39  of the rigid member  37  extends into and is in tight contact with the flexible tubular interior  36  of the flexible member  32 . 
     By definition above, the flexible member comprises an outer “wall” that defines the flexible tubular interior that tightly encloses and secures the core and rigid member ends. For example, such a construction could be formed by tightly binding a flexible cord (e.g., cotton, plastic, and the like) or thin, lightweight strands of leather (e.g., 1 oz. to 2 oz. leather) around the core and rigid member ends or, more preferably, by tightly braiding a flexible cord or thin strands of leather around the ends. An example of a flexible member is a terminal braided leather barrel of a conventional braided leather romal rein. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the rigid member  37  comprises at least three attached layers, i.e., two thin outer layers of leather  41 ,  42  and one or more inner reinforcing layers  43 . In this embodiment, the two thin layers of leather  41 ,  42  are preferably approximately equal in thickness, and are preferably pieces of about 4 oz. leather. Leather weights and their corresponding thicknesses are known to the skilled artisan. For example, a piece of 4 oz. leather is about {fraction (1/16)} inch thick. Leathers used for strap goods, such as split reins and bridles, are typically 6 oz. to 8 oz. leathers, having a thickness of about ¼ inch to about ⅜ inch. The thick leather used for saddles is typically 10 oz. to 14 oz.; 
     whereas thin, flexible leathers used for laces or for braiding are typically 1 oz. to 2 oz. leathers. 
     In the preferred embodiments, the inner reinforcing layer(s)  43  is the major component for adding strength and stiffness to the rigid member, such that the combination of the three or more layers has a strength and stiffness approximately equivalent to the strength and stiffness of an 8 oz. piece of leather. There are many known types of materials that can provide the required strength and stiffness including thin, rigid thermoplastic and thermoset plastics, strong reinforcing nylon or cotton webbing, plastic coated webbing material, and the like, or combinations of these. A suitable reinforcing material for use in the invention is a heavy nylon webbing coated with vinyl, with the name “Biothane”, manufactured by BioPlastics Company, Inc., North Ridgeville, Ohio. The use of one layer of Biothane with two 4 oz. strips of leather is sufficient to provide the desired strength and stiffness. One layer of Biothane is approximately {fraction (1/16)} inch thick. 
     The thickness of the reinforcing layer required to provide the requisite strength and stiffness to the rigid member depends on the inherent strength and stiffness of the selected reinforcing material. Several layers of the reinforcing material may be required. Thus, the thickness of the resulting rigid member may vary from about {fraction (3/16)} inch or less, to about ½ inch or more. As will become apparent from the embodiments of the invention described below, the thickness of the rigid member will determine which of the embodiments may be employed. Preferably, the rigid member is as thin as possible. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, the reinforcing layer(s)  43  extends within the rigid member  37  to a point at or near the junction with the core end  38  of the length of rein  20 . The two outer layers  41 ,  42  of the rigid member  37  extend beyond the end of the reinforcing layer  43  and the core end  38  and sandwich the length of the rein for a variable distance “d” beyond the core end  38 . The distance “d” can be determined by one skilled in the art according to the attachment means illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the layers of the rigid member can be stitched and/or glued, bound, or otherwise attached to the core, thus securing the rigid member directly to the core of the rein. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6B, the reinforcing layer(s)  43  remains associated with at least one of the two outer layers  41 ,  42  of the rigid member  37 , and extend(s) in conjunction with the outer layer to participate in the sandwich of the length of the rein for the distance “d”. The means of attachment to the core may also be as illustrated in FIG.  7 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6C, the end of the rigid member including the two outer layers  41 ,  42  and the reinforcing layer  43  do not extend beyond the end of the core of the rein. Instead, the rigid member end and the core end each extend into and are in tight contact with the tubular interior of the flexible member for a distance sufficient to secure the length of rein within the interior of the flexible member. The distance is determined by such variables as the diameter and flexibility of the core end, the thickness and rigidity of the layers of the rigid member, the tightness of the binding that forms the outer wall of the flexible member and defines the flexible tubular interior, the length and thickness of the outer wall of the flexible member, and the like. 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C illustrate less preferred embodiments of the rigid member that do not employ a reinforcing layer. Instead, the rigid member  137  in these embodiments comprises two or more layers of leather  141 ,  142 , which together provide the required stiffness and strength. For example, one layer may be 8 oz. leather and the other layer 2 oz. leather (e.g., FIG.  8 A); both layers may be 6 oz. leather or 8 oz. leather, or combinations of these, or the like (e.g., FIGS.  8 B and  8 C). The layers may extend to form a sandwich around the core end  138  of the length of the rein  120  within the flexible member  135 , as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B and be secured to the core end as illustrated in FIG.  7 . Alternatively, the end of the rigid member may terminate at or near the core end  138  of the rein, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, and the core end  138  and the end of the rigid member  137  extend into the flexible tubular interior  136  of the flexible member  132  for a distance sufficient to secure them in the flexible member, the distance being variable as described above for the embodiment of FIG.  6 C. 
     Although it is possible, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C, to use two layers of heavier 6 oz. or 8 oz. leather (each layer typically ¼ inch to ⅜ inch thick), without a reinforcing layer, the resulting sandwich around the core of the rein is 2 to 3 times larger than that of the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the resulting flexible member  132  that encloses the sandwich may be much larger than that of the preferred embodiment. Thus, this embodiment of the invention is less preferred if the larger flexible member is aesthetically undesirable. 
     Embodiments of the second end and connector portion of the rigid member are illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 12. In each of these embodiments, the preferred rigid member comprises at least three layers, including the reinforcing layer, described above. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the connector portion of the rigid member illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a connection is provided between the connector portion and the end ring of the bit. In this embodiment, the rigid member  52  comprises at least three layers, i.e., two thin layers of leather  54 ,  56 , and at least one reinforcing layer  57 , as described above in FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C. At the connector portion  58  of the rigid member  52 , the two leather layers  54 ,  56  are longitudinally separated from each other. The reinforcing layer  57  remains attached to one of the leather layers. (If more than one reinforcing layer is employed, it may be remain attached to either one of the leather layers). Each of the separated layers  54 / 57  and  56  has an opening  60  therethrough for passage of a fastener  62 , as illustrated for layer  54 / 57  in FIG.  9 C. The fastener may be as simple as a cord (not shown), such as a leather cord, for tying the separated layers to the end ring. The fastener  62  may be any fastener arrangement such as, but not limited to, a nut and bolt or a chicago screw, in which the tightness or looseness of the connection is adjustable to the degree desired by the user. Preferably, such a fastener arrangement comprises interlocking male and female portions for securing the separated layers  54 / 57  and  56  to the end ring  64  of the bit  66 , such that the end ring  64  is sandwiched between the separated layers  54 / 57  and  56  and the bolt passes through the end ring  64 . When the male and female ends of the fastener are joined, the two layers of the rigid member form a connection with the end ring of the bit (FIG.  9 B). For example, if the fastener is a chicago screw or a nut and bolt arrangement, the tightness or looseness of the connection is adjustable by the degree the screw or bolt, respectively, is turned on a threaded portion of the fastener. A preferred fastener for this embodiment of the invention is a chicago screw. As described above, it is recognized that the degree of the tightness or looseness of the connection may also depend on the length of the fastener passing through the two sections of the connector portion of the rein end and the end ring of the bit. One of ordinary skill in the art would select a fastener of the proper length to achieve the desired degree of tightness/looseness of the connection. 
     The embodiment of the connector portion illustrated in FIGS. 9A,  9 B and  9 C is also suitable in embodiments of the invention employing a rigid member that comprises two layers of leather without a reinforcing layer, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A,  8 B and  8 C. 
     FIGS. 10A,  10 B,  10 C and  11  illustrate other embodiments of the connector portion  58  of the rigid member  52 . In each of these embodiments, the rigid member comprises a strap  70  having a strap end  72  for passage through the end ring of a bit (not shown) to form a loop  74 . The strap end  72  is then fastenable to the rigid member by a fastener. Many different types of fasteners are suitable for use to fasten the strap end, and such fasteners are known to those skilled in the art. The illustrated fasteners are a chicago screw  76  (FIGS. 10A,  10 B,  10 C), a buckle (FIG. 11) or any other fastener known to those skilled in the art, such as a snap fastener (not shown). 
     In another embodiment of the connector portion  58  of the rigid member  52 , illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the connector portion comprises a rigid snap end fastener  80  integrally attached to and extending from the rigid member, for snapping onto the ring of the bit (not shown). 
     In another embodiment of the invention, flat split or romal reins are provided by which the bit end of the rein may be attached to the flat rein without the presence of a flexible member, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A,  13 B and  13 C. A connection between the end ring  100  of the bit  97  and the rein is also provided. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A,  133 B and  13 C, each of at least two rigid members  90  has an end  92  integrally secured to the length of flat rein  94  and a connector end  96  extending from the length of rein  94 . Each connector end  96  has an opening  98  therethrough for passage of the fastener  99 . For connecting the rein to the end ring  100  of the bit  97 , the end ring is sandwiched between the two rigid members and secured by the fastener  99  that passes through the end ring and each of the rigid members. The fastener may be a cord for tying the rigid members and the end ring together, but preferably is a bolt arrangement, such as that described above, which may be a nut and bolt, but preferably is a chicago screw, wherein the bolt passes through each of the layers and the end ring of the bit. As described above for FIGS. 9A,  9 B and  9 C, and this connection between the rein and bit is adjustable to the degree desired by the user, from tight to loose, by means of the adjustable fastener  99 . As illustrated in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the rigid members may be connected to the flat rein by stitching  91  and/or gluing (not shown) and/or tying, or by a fastener  93  known to those skilled in the art, such as a snap fastener or a chicago screw, or the like. 
     In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, a flat rein  101  is provided which comprises two layers  102  and  104 . At the connector end  96  of the rein, the two layers are longitudinally separated from each other to form two separated layers  102  and  104 , each of which has an opening therethrough for passage of a fastener  99 , the opening and the fastener being similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 13B and 13C. The fastener is preferably a bolt arrangement described above, which may be a nut and bolt, but preferably is a chicago screw. For connecting the rein to the end ring  100  of the bit  97 , the end ring is sandwiched between the two rigid members and the bolt passes through the end ring and each of the rigid members. Alternatively, the fastener may be a cord for tying the two separated layers to the end ring. As described above, the degree of the tightness or looseness of the connection between the rein and the end ring is adjustable, by means of the adjustable fastener. 
     In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15, a braided rein  201  comprises a core end  202  and a rigid member  203  having a first end  204  that forms a sandwich around the core end  202 , the rigid member  203  having an inner reinforcing layer  205  and an outer layer  206 . The rein  201  further comprises a flexible member  207  in tight contact with the first end  204  of the rigid member  203 , the flexible member  207  having a tubular configuration for securing the first end  204  of the rigid member  203  to the core end  202  of the rein  201 . Optionally, a second reinforcing layer  208  is present between the first end  204  of the rigid member  203  and the flexible member  207 . For example, without limitation, the optional reinforcing layer  208  may comprise a rigid thermoplastic or thermoset plastic, a strong reinforcing nylon or cotton webbing, plastic coated webbing material, a metal, or combinations thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the optional reinforcing layer  208  is a metal layer, such as a lead layer. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the flexible member  207  comprises a tightly braided layer (x), such as a braided leather layer. The preferable combination of the tightly braided layer and the metal layer securely hold the rigid member in tight contact with the core end of the rein. 
     As further illustrated in FIG. 15, a second end  209  of the rigid member  203 , comprising the reinforcing layer  205  and the outer layer  206  extends outward from the flexible member  207  and forms at least two separated rigid member sections  215 ,  216 , each of the sections having an opening  210  therethrough for passage of a fastener  211 , which is preferably a bolt arrangement, such as a nut and bolt or, preferably, a chicago screw. Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the separated sections of the rigid member of this embodiment, are preferably configured to secure the end ring  256  of a bit  257  by sandwiching the end ring  256  between the separated sections of the rigid member and passing the fastener through the sandwiched assembly. In this manner, the rein end may be tight or loose, to the degree desired by the user, as described above. 
     The second end  209  of the rigid member  203  may further comprise an additional outer layer  212  which may partially or completely cover the second end  209  of the rigid member  203 . As illustrated in FIG. 15, the additional outer layer  212  is a layer of metal, typically for ornamentation purposes. Optionally the metal layer may form an ornamental loop that encircles a portion of the rigid member. The outer layer of metal may comprise one or more selections from the group consisting of silver, brass, copper, nickel, aluminum, chrome, gold, bronze, iron, steel, tin, and alloys of the foregoing. The outer layer of metal may comprise a solid metal or alloy, or may comprise a base metal electroplated or overlaid with another metal. Preferably, the additional outer layer of metal has a thickness sufficient for engraving of ornamentation thereon. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the additional outer layer  212  is secured to the second end  209  of the rigid member  203  by means of a fastener  213  such as, but not limited to, a nail. Optionally, the fastening of the outer additional layer includes passing the fastener through a solid object  214  positioned between the two sections of the second end of the rigid member, wherein the solid object  214  is configured to act as a spacer between the two sections  215  and  216 . 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a side view, partial cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 (A, B, C) illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the bit end of the rein terminates in a metal member  250  that is integral with the rein and which  4 - has a connector portion  251  configured to directly connect the rein to the end ring of a bit. In this embodiment of the invention, the connector portion  251  of the metal member  250  comprises at least two metal sections longitudinally separated from each other by a spacer  270  to form at least two separate sections  252 ,  253  spaced substantially parallel to each other, each of the at least two separate sections  252 ,  253  having an opening  254  therethrough configured for the passage of a fastener  255 . The fastener  255  preferably comprises a bolt arrangement, which may comprise a nut and bolt, but preferably is a chicago screw. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the connector portion  251  of the metal member  250  is preferably configured to secure the end ring  256  of a bit  257  to the at least two separate sections  252 ,  253  of the metal member  250  by sandwiching the end ring  256  between the sections  252 ,  253  of the metal member  250 , and passing the fastener  255  through the sandwiched assembly. The connector portion  251  of the metal member  250  of the rein end may be secured tightly to the end ring  256  of the bit  257 , or more loosely, such that the metal member is able to rotate freely on the fastener  255  and, thus, the rein is able to rotate freely on the end ring. The degree of the tightness or looseness of the connection is adjustable by means of the adjustable fastener, as described above. 
     As further illustrated in FIG. 17 (A), the metal member  250  has an end  262  secured within the flexible member  260  of the rein  261 . As illustrated in FIG. 17 (C), the end  262  of the metal member  250  preferably has a tubular configuration in order to tightly secure the core end  263  of the rein  261  by, for example without limitation, crimping or nailing the tube to the core end  263 . The end  262  of the metal member is secured within the flexible member  260  which is preferably tightly braided leather. The connector portion  251  of the metal member  250  and the secured end  262  are joined, for example by welding or soldering, such that the metal member is contiguous with the rein and is integral with the rein in a continuous construction. 
     The metal member preferably comprises one or more selections from the group consisting of silver, brass, copper, nickel, aluminum, chrome, gold, bronze, iron, steel, tin, and alloys thereof. The metal member may comprise a solid metal or alloy, or may comprises a base metal electroplated or overlaid with another metal. For example, the metal member may comprise a base metal with a layer of another metal, such as sterling silver, chrome, or gold, or combinations of these, or alloys of these metals with another metal, such as copper, or the like. The secured end  262  of the metal member may comprise a different metal than the connector end. For example, the base metal may be a alloy comprising tin, or a silver plated metal, whereas the connector end may be the base metal overlaid or electroplated with a layer of sterling silver, or an alloy of silver with copper. Further, a base metal may be electroplated with chrome or gold. Such overlaid and electroplated metals are well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the overlaid or electroplated layer is sufficiently thick that it may be ornamented by engraving. 
     While the invention has been described herein with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternative forms falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.