Ricotti Romel

Rawhide 60 button Romels from Ricottis Saddlery-Made in USA

I have had these Romels for probably 15 years and got them from Ricottis Saddlery in Clements CA. They are 48” long meaning that the two rein ends are each 48” long and the popper end (or quirt end) is also 48” long. They have been cleaned and treated at least twice a year and frequently more. Nothing has chewed on them, they were not dragged through the dirt as my horse wandered off, not stepped on and they were never soaked in the stock tank/creek/lake if the horse was drinking. I have used them with and without rein chains although, for me, I like the feel of them without rein chains. When I would move cattle or do a gather I would use rein chains however they were always a little on the heavier side. The 60 buttons add just a bit more weight down near the ends so the heavier chains just seemed to work better.

60 button reins seem to give just a little more signal to the bit as there is that additional weight.

While the reins rawhide strings are just a bit stouter than some of the real delicate ones the reins that Ricottis sells have a really nice feel to them. These are just about average in stiffness or maybe a smidge softer. Of all the Romels I have these are my favorite to ride on a day to day basis.

These are 24 plait which makes them a little on the fancy side of working Romels but not like some of the show or collectors reins that are in the 32/36 plait range. The rawhide strings are a bit thicker than most show reins so they don’t break as much but these are finer than the 12/16/18 plait working reins.

I cleaned and treated(with Vaquero Rawhide Cream) about every couple of months. If they ever got wet like being caught in the rain I cleaned and treated them as well. These are $800.00 new so I think the price I am listing them at is fair for a set of great romels in great condition.

And these were made in California in the birth place of Californios, Buckaroos or Vaqueros so high quality tack coming from Ca is nothing new. Its part of our history.

Please note that I will only ship to a U.S. address. This is such a part of the Western tradition that I don’t want it leaving the US. I have seen wealthy people outside the US buy great tack with a great history and when they no longer ride this kind of thing ends up in the trash so I hope this part of US history finds a good home.

Thanks for looking and if you have any questions just ask.